On Wednesday, 16th September 2026, Clean Coasts teamed up with Galway Atlantaquarium and Claddagh National School at Grattan beach to deliver talks on a variety of marine issues and events, namely; Think Before You Flush, Big Beach Clean and sand dune and biodiversity activity. Clean Coasts Development Officer, Ollie O’Flaherty explained how the Think Before You Flush programme can help protect our coastlines from unnecessary harmful waste. This event encouraged people to cultivate responsible flushing behaviour and to pledge their commitment to the campaign. The Think Before You Flush initiative aims to raise awareness of the detrimental effects of flushing sanitary products, wet wipes, and other damaging items known as the dirty dozen, down the toilet and to promote responsible waste management practices.
The Think Before You Flush campaign, operated by Clean Coasts in partnership with Uisce Éireann, emphasises the importance of appropriate flushing behaviours and disposal of items including wipes and other sanitary products in the bin, even if they are labelled as flushable. The key motto of the campaign reminds the public that only the 3 Ps: pee, poo and (toilet) paper, should be flushed down the toilet. When items such as wet wipes are flushed down the toilet, they can cause serious blockages in sewage systems, causing sewage overflows and ultimately end up polluting our coastal waters and beaches.
The team also highlighted the Think Before You Pour campaign, which looks at the issue of pouring fats, oils, and greases (FOGs) from cooking down the kitchen sink. Instead of flowing freely, FOGs cool and harden as they travel along the wastewater network. When FOGs combine with sewage-related litter such as wipes, hair and dental floss, large fatbergs can form. Uisce Éireann clears thousands of blockages, including fatbergs, from the wastewater network every year. The Think Before Pour campaign urges everyone to avoid washing FOGs down the kitchen drain and, instead, dispose of them in the bin once cool.
These activities offered people of all ages the opportunity to enjoy, protect and appreciate the health benefits of our ocean through the Clean Coasts Think Before You Flush and Pour ethos.
Garry Kendellen of Galway Atlantaquaria said:
“Over many years, Clean Coasts has supported us to run some wonderful experiences on the shore, and these events are brilliant as they showcase the value of Blue Spaces, and the benefits of the sea for our health.”
Speaking about the day, Ollie O’Flaherty from Clean Coasts noted:
“These events offer a great opportunity to engage with the wider public here in Galway City to showcase the importance of the TBYF and TBYP campaigns and how it effects all our lives. The message is simple – only flush the 3 Ps (pee, poo and paper) down the toilet. Everything else belongs in the bin. Through collaboration, we can support better flushing behaviour and deliver a tangible positive impact on our natural environment.”