THE 2025 Big Donegal Clean-Up campaign was officially launched at the pier in Donegal Town, bringing together more than 70 people in a celebration of community and collaboration.
Organised by Donegal County Council’s Environment team, the event marked the beginning of a county-wide initiative dedicated to protecting and enhancing the local environment. Special recognition was given to the Transition Year students from Abbey Vocational School, along with their teachers Seamus Maguire, Emer O’Mahoney, and Michelle Gallagher.
“The students demonstrated exceptional behaviour on the day,” said a spokesperson for the Council.
“They were involved in every aspect from set-up to clean-up, and their positive involvement was acknowledged by all in attendance.”
Members of the local community in Donegal Town pictured along with members of Donegal County Council ,local councillors of Donegal MD and Councillor Niamh Kennedy Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council who launched the big clean up. Photo by Gerard McHugh.
A highlight of the day was a Monster SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard) clean-up led by Jono Griffin from Wild & Free Adventure Co. The students joined him on the water to remove waste from the area around the pier, collecting over half a tonne of rubbish in the process.
Members of Donegal Bay Rowing Club pictured in Donegal Bay at the launch of the big Donegal Clean Up. Photo by Gerard McHugh.
The Big Donegal Clean-Up is an annual campaign and a cornerstone of the Council’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. It encourages communities across the county to take a hands-on approach to improving the environment that we all share.
With year-on-year increases in the number of clean-ups being undertaken, there is hope that the 2025 Big Donegal Clean-Up will be the biggest yet.
Speaking at the launch, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Niamh Kennedy, said: “It’s a pleasure to be here today at the launch of this year’s Big Donegal Clean-Up – an initiative that truly showcases the spirit of our communities across the county.
Michael McGarvey, Director of Service at Donegal County Council, added:
“The Big Donegal Clean-Up is a campaign that continues to grow stronger each year thanks to the dedication and commitment of our communities. In 2024, more than 900 clean-ups were carried out, involving over 6,000 volunteers.”
Pictured at the launch of The big Donegal Clean Up are Front Row (l-r) Pearse McCroary, (DCC), Caroline McCleary (DCC),Naimh Monaghan (DCC), John Morrow (DCC), Noel O’Donnell (DCC), Back row (l-r) Michael McGarvey (Director Of Services at Donegal County Council) Deborah Bonner (Donegal Dragons), Cllr. Niamh Kennedy Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Anna Gallagher (Mayor Donegal Town, Clr. Noel Jordan, (Cathaoirleach of Donegal MD) Lorraine Coll (DCC),Owen Stapelton(DCC), Joy Browne (DCC). Photo by Gerard McHugh Photography
Get involved
This campaign sees the Council supporting individuals, groups, businesses and organisations in arranging their own clean-ups. The Council provides bags, gloves and litter pickers while also taking care of the collection of rubbish once it has been bagged.
The Council is also planning to promote clean-ups on its social media pages. You can share your photos via Twitter @DonegalCouncil and Facebook @donegalcoco
To sign up for this year’s Big Donegal Clean-Up call 074 91 53900, call to your local Council office or visit www.donegalcoco.ie.
Pictured at the launch of the Big Donegal Claen Up in Donegal Town are Michael McGarvey (Director Of Services at Donegal County Council) ,Clr. Noel Jordan (Cathaoirleach of Donegal MD, Clr. Niamh Kennedy Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Clr. Jimmy Brogan, Anna Gallagher (Mayor Donegal Town, Clr. Michael Naughton. Photo by Gerard McHugh Photography.
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