‘Destroyed with litter’ – Outrage over litter left on Irish beaches during heatwave

High temperatures this week have increased the amount of litter left on Irish beaches

Over the past week, temperatures have soared across the country, beating previous May high temperature records. Many people took to Irish beaches to enjoy the fine weather.

However, Loughbeg Beach in Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork, has seen the negative impact of the influx of beachgoers in the heatwave. Ringaskiddy Tidy Towns said that piles of litter have been left on the beach, including shards of broken glass and portable barbecues.

The committee took to social media to voice their concerns, stating that they "don't like posting negative posts online, but sometimes it has to be addressed" to highlight issues.

"Luc beach, known as Loughbeg to others, has been very busy the last few years, and we were told again this year the beach isn’t getting any bins," the committee wrote on Facebook.

"We don’t have many volunteers, and we had massive tasks to do during the summer, so we don’t have the manpower to clean the beach also."

The committee said that the beach has been "destroyed with litter" this week.

"It’s not going to be a nice beach to visit over the summer with the amount of rubbish that’s up there, sadly," the committee added.

"We know there are issues with land ownership before the beach, but we were told this would be resolved before the summer months, and it is still up in the air."

The committee is calling on councillors to help as the beach is now "unwalkable in some parts" due to the amount of litter, and stated that "not having bins there for anyone using the beach is very disheartening."