Keep the boat afloat
Only 16% of coastal areas and waterways are clean, according to the 2019 IBAL litter survey, where Cork Harbour near Midleton was deemed ‘heavily littered’ and one of the worst areas surveyed according to the findings. It further stated “Cork Harbour at Midleton was subject to dumping, with heavy levels of land-based food related items and large numbers of traffic cones and household appliances discarded in the water”. That story headlined the six-one news on RTÉ. We aim to reverse that trend with this project.
We've purchased a boat in February 2023 with the support of the Inis Ealga Energy Marine Park. The final cost of the boat was €48,900 (including an epic journey across France, Belgium and the Netherlands, over 6 days, which saved us €6,000 approximately)
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We have received funding of €4,000 from Clean Coasts to train up 10 volunteers to licence them in VHF Radio usage and Powerboat level II - volunteers will pay the balance themselves totalling €1,600. Life jackets for the boat will cost €4,321 and through the Amenity fund, Cork County Council will provide 75% of the cost of this (shortfall of €1080.25).
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We have grant applications in for the PPE element costing almost €14,000 and we await to hear on those. Early indications are that we will get a contribution towards those. Insurance is €2,100 and we have no idea where that will come from although, we do have an insurance GoFundMe and we might make it there yet.
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Long story short, in this project totalling almost €80,000, we are now only short approx €16,000.
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We hope you're not too exhausted after reading that - if you can help, please do get in touch or donate through our #BeeAHero link or directly to our Credit Union Account whose details are as follows:
IBAN: IE19TUIR99109910141296
BIC: TUIRIE21
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If you need any more info - please don't hesitate to contact us at info@seaandlandtrust.org
This project is about protecting tourism, our marine life and our recreational assets, but it is equally about global impact and our future – the litter we encounter in these areas is marine litter, which is threatening our very survival.
The Pioner Multi Pro will engage in community led initiatives as follows:
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Provide new and social opportunities to those who wish to engage with the marine environment, but who normally can't.
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Facillitate research on marine litter and its sources in an Irish context.
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Education
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Biodiversity - Sea bird surveys for example
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Raising public awareness
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This project has a geographical focus in Cork and Waterford. We will survey other areas of high importance in Kerry (Blasket Sound/Skelligs) and in other coastal communities.
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Our management of the Irish Coastline will increase from 3% (80 km) to more than 7% (240km)
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There will be opportunities to partake in Seafood festivals and other maritime events.