TU Dublin Wins Third in University Beach Clean Challenge
TU Dublin students were invited to compete against other universities in Ireland in the University Beach Clean Challenge. This nationwide challenge aimed to see which university could collect the most litter from a beach over the course of an hour. On Saturday 28 March, nine students took part to represent TU Dublin. The volunteers met on Dollymount Strand, part of Bull Island on Dublin's northside.
By the end of the event, the waste was weighed and the TU Dublin team collected 51kg of waste, securing third place in the national competition.
The team gathered included remnants of barbecues, fishing nets, wood debris, plastics, microplastics, ropes, pens, bits of tyres, and personal items such as keychains. Bull Island is renowned for its rich biodiversity and birdlife, making it an ecologically significant area. Continued pollution threatens the balance of this ecosystem underscoring the importance of community action and long-term behaviour change.
Masters in Sustainable Development student and An Taisce Climate Ambassador Amirrah Puttaroo took on the role as Student Lead on the day. Reflecting on the experience Amiirah says that there is huge value in collective action, these small steps can lead to significant impact.
The event was facilitated by Flossie and the Beach Cleaners, an environmental charity whose aim is to protect Ireland's oceans and marine life.