Rodelyn Aponte (Galway City Council), Fergal Cushen, (Galway City Council) Pietro Salvagno (MKO), Luana Bergmann (CuriOcean)
PLASTIC BOTTLES, food packaging and cigarette butts were found to be the top three waste categories in Salthill according to a new study.
Marine conservation NGO CuriOcean in partnership with Galway City Council conducted a litter study for Salthill during the peak summer months of 2025.
Titled ‘A Litter Study for a Cleaner Salthill’, the survey and analysis aimed to understand the behavioural drivers behind littering and identify creative interventions to keep the popular coastal spot pristine.
Public and drone surveys were carried out. The report showed that plastic bottles, food packaging and cigarette butts were the top three waste categories identified by respondents.
Ecological concern was evident in the public survey but so too were notable gaps in knowledge surrounding microplastics and chemical pollution. A substantial group of potential volunteers and people interested in environmental education were also identified.
14.4 percent of respondents confirmed they had been involved in an environmental event in Salthill in the past, such as a beach clean-up or workshop within the past year.
Fergal Cushen, Environmental Awareness Officer for Galway City Council, commented, “It is very important for the Council to work alongside the public in coming up with litter solutions. Littering, especially at peak periods with high football, is a complex problem with many variables. Studies like this give us an evidence base for a more targeted response to specific issues. It is great to be able to collaborate with CuriOcean to create informed solutions for a better Galway”.
The findings from the CuriOcean study will now be used to inform upcoming workshops which will focus on realistic litter measures to improve the area.
