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Community Groups: Tomhaggard Clean Coasts Group

Tomhaggard Clean Coasts Group began in 2021 with a group of close knit family and friends. Since then, it’s grown into a vibrant community effort of over 80 members of all ages and multiple nationalities tackling a 27km stretch of coastline from Nethertown to Cullenstown – just over 10% of Wexford’s coast. Clean ups take place every week from April to September, and monthly in winter.

A group of people wearing bright orange vests sitting on driftwood on a sandy beach, with green litter bags and gloves nearby. Sand dunes and grass are visible in the background under clear skies. — Group photo by Alan Davis – ‘Loopers on a Log!’

Tomhaggard Clean Coasts Group don’t just clean! They teach. They host talks, walks, and tours that help people understand the value of our coast. On average, in addition to clean ups, the Tomhaggard Clean Coasts group host educational events. On May 24th 2025, the group hosted their first ever mini festival, ‘Connections’, during Biodiversity Week! Events like these bring everyone into the conversation. Proceeds from the festival were donated to the local branch of meals on wheels.

Returned from the Sea Project

During 2024, the group removed 10 tonnes of waste and diverted 2 tonnes, including 178 lobster pots, from landfill through our circular economy initiative, the ‘Returned from the Sea Project’. The team partnered with Wexford County Council to set up a unit at the pier in Kilmore Quay, where people can help themselves to items recovered during clean-ups. Volunteers restocked the unit 10 times throughout the year. The final tally was 16 lobster pots, 18 lobsterpot floors, 23 lobsterpot doors, 6 bouys, 67 spinners, 26 door hooks, 3 buffs and 1.4 km of rope!

Several people standing near a black building with a sign that reads “Returned From The Sea.” Fishing ropes, nets, and equipment are stacked against the wall beneath the sign. — Photo by Gayle Daly – ‘Returned From The Sea Unit’ Launch in September 2024

The group strips any lobster pots that can’t be reused for metal recycling or upcycling. For example, in February 2025, they galvanised 20 lobster pot frames and repurposed them as mini poly tunnels in partnership with Edible Wexford for a growing workshop.

A small dog lying inside a cozy, paw-print patterned pet bed on a wooden floor. The bed is partially covered like a tunnel, and wooden furniture is visible in the background. — Photo by Laurie Smiley – A bed for Tillie made from the frame of a Lobsterpot.]

A hand holding a small plant pot with a young seedling and a white label inside a greenhouse. In the background, rows of pots with various plants are arranged on a raised bed under plastic tunnels. — Photo by Laurie Smiley – A bed for Tillie made from the frame of a Lobsterpot.]

Local Beach Cleanups

In 2024, the group tackled a major “blackspot” identified by Coastwatch at the Coal Yard near Cullenstown and removed 3 tonnes of waste. To date in 2025, the group has removed over 11 tonnes of waste 6.5 tonnes of which was removed from Nethertown beach in collaboration with local people there. As we work along the coast, community groups from the various areas join us for cleanups.

Without quad bikes owned by members, these cleanups wouldn’t be possible. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) grant us a licence each year to use quads for our cleanups. We’re also supported by Wexford County Council, who collect the waste. An Taisce Clean Coasts provides insurance for the group.

Sea Turtle Project

Last autumn we completed a Sea Turtle Project in three local schools, reaching over 600 children, using art, stories, and competitions to inspire children to protect marine life. This was made possible by adding a Biodiversity Officer, Thérèse Maddock from ‘Seashore Explore’ to our committee. Her knowledge and dedication has helped us to bring the message of how plastic in our oceans and waterways affects marine biodiversity and human health.

A group of young children seated on colorful curved benches in a library, listening to an adult who is sitting on a chair and speaking. Bookshelves filled with books line the wall behind, with decorative elements and quotes on the wall. — Photo by Anne Marie Kirwan of Thérèse Maddock and School Children engaged with the Turtle Project

For us, it’s not just about the rubbish – it’s about the people. The friendships, the learning, the shared moments on the beach. It is the social interaction and the knowing that we are making a difference that makes this work meaningful and enjoyable.

Our community has reaped the rewards: cleaner beaches, stronger connections, increased awareness, awards and a surge of pride. In fact, we are representing Wexford at Pride of Place this year. Everyone is welcome. There’s no pressure – come when you can, in whatever way you can help.

We believe our approach can inspire others: combine regular cleanups with creativity, partnerships, and education – and always put community at the heart.

Recognising Tomhaggard’s Coastal Commitment

The Tomhaggard Clean Coasts Group has recently been recognised for its outstanding environmental work, taking home the top honour as overall winners at the 2025 Wexford County Council Environment Awards. The ceremony, held at the Ferrycarrig Hotel, celebrated local groups making a real difference, and Tomhaggard’s achievement highlights their dedication to protecting Wexford’s coastline and fostering community spirit. Reference: Irish Independent

Learn more:

To see more of what we’re doing or get involved, follow Tomhaggard Clean Coasts on Facebook or Instagram.

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EPA Catchments Unit

Administrator

The EPA Catchments Unit is based in Dublin, and the team is involved with catchment science, chemistry, ecology, hydromorphology, modelling, Geographic Information Systems and planning. We work with the wider EPA, all of our local authorities, the Local Authority Waters and Communities Office, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, and other public bodies and Departments to ensure we have the best available data and information about our catchments.

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