Killybegs and Bundoran beach have again been classed as ‘moderately littered’ in a new survey of Irish coasts and inland waterways.
The summer litter survey by Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) found no improvements in the two Donegal areas in the past year.
A lack of bins was identified in Killybegs, while long-lie litter was an issue at Bundoran beach car park.
The study of 33 areas nationwide revealed our most littered areas to have cleaned up but the majority of beaches falling short of clean status, despite the unsettled summer meaning lower visitor numbers.
Beaches, harbours, rivers and their immediate environs were monitored by An Taisce in June and July. While there was a 50% rise in clean sites overall, the survey again found our coastal areas to be more littered than our towns, which IBAL researches as part of its Anti-Litter League programme.
Disposable vapes were revealed as an emerging form of litter, encountered in 1 in 7 of all visits, making them significantly more common on our beaches than on our streets.
The An Taisce report for Killybegs stated: “The overall presentation of Killybegs harbour and immediate environs has certainly improved and continues apace with two further building projects underway. Attractive paving and new planting create a positive impression, along with the installation of fresh solar bins. The removal of the council bins along the harbour side has resulted in the vacant cavities attracting dog fouling. The only remaining bins in this area belong to the fast-food vans.
“Litter was found in the rock armour and in the car-park by the slipway. Food related items included coffee cups, mineral and alcohol cans, fast-food wrappers, sweet papers, plastic bags etc. Various marine litter items included nets, ropes, fishing line and polystyrene and clothing had been discarded by the recycle bins.
“While there was dog fouling signage (albeit turned the wrong way, rendering it almost invisible) and bags for same, there was no visible dog fouling disposal facility or litter awareness signage. The provision of cigarette butt notices and more facilities for the disposal of same might also help.”
The An Taisce report for Bundoran beach stated: “The overall impression at Bundoran was of an area which was generally well managed with the tarmacked area of the car park and promenade generally quite clean. Closer inspection, however, revealed long-lie litter along the sand verges of the car park and short-lie litter (sweet wrappers, cigarette butts, baby wipes and tissues) throughout the site.
“Marine litter (e.g. rope / plastic) was also visible along the tide line, particularly trapped in the seaweed on the northern end of the beach.
“Large black litter bins were solid and sturdy, bar one which was cracked. While the bins had cigarette extinguishing facilities, they don’t have disposal facilities – the provision of same could go a long way towards address the cigarette butt presence.
“The ‘3 for the Sea’ signage and rules about dogs on the beach signage were clear and legible. The large ‘Bundoran’ mural looked great – the remainder of the wall area beside the life-guard hut was ‘artwork in progress’. While the steps mark the boundary of the survey area, there was a very obvious litter presence directly beside it and this could easily impact the overall impression of survey area if not addressed.”
