CLEAN WATERWAYS

��An Taisce, in partnership with Westmeath County Council, is launching Clean Waterways to extend coastal protection principles to natural inland waterways. The programme mobilises community volunteers to remove litter from lakeside areas, tackling the most common pollutants: plastics (particularly microplastics), cigarette butts, and food and drink packaging. These lightweight items are especially prone to breaking down and spreading via stormwater runoff and wind.
Get Involved: #2minutewaterwayclean

Protecting our inland waters has never been easier. The #2MinuteWaterwayClean campaign invites all lakeside visitors to spend just two minutes collecting litter during their visit. Participants are encouraged to share their efforts on social media using #2MinuteWaterwayClean or #CleanWaterwaysWestmeath, inspiring others to follow suit.

��While Westmeath may not have a traditional coastline, the county boasts an impressive network of lakes inland waterways. With approximately 120km of open lakeshore—spanning Lough Ree, Lough Ennell, Lough Lene, Lough Sheelin, Lough Báne, Lough Derravaragh and Lough Owel— it is the ideal location to start.

Clean Waterways ‌

Photograph courtesy of Topic newspaper

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Content Last Updated/Reviewed: 28/11/2025