Waterford City & County Council joins KIMO to help protect the Irish Sea
Waterford City & County Council has taken a significant step in the fight against marine pollution by becoming the latest member of KIMO, a network of coastal municipalities dedicated to protecting the marine environment. Waterford is only the second Irish local authority to join the organisation, following Wexford County Council, and its membership will bolster KIMO’s efforts to tackle pollution in the Irish Sea.
KIMO, a network of over 80 local authorities across nine countries, represents more than seven million citizens and works to reduce pollution, promote sustainability, and influence policy at national and international levels.
Lisa Bugge Nør Larsen, Executive Secretary of KIMO, welcomed the announcement:
“We are thrilled to welcome Waterford City & County Council into the KIMO network. Their commitment to marine protection aligns perfectly with our mission to combat pollution and promote sustainable coastal management.”
Located in Ireland’s southeast, Waterford boasts a diverse landscape, from the Knockmealdown and Comeragh Mountains to its stunning coastline, which includes four Blue Flag beaches and seven Green Coast beaches.
A significant stretch of this coastline, the Copper Coast, is recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark for its geological significance. The county is also home to major waterways, including the River Suir and the River Blackwater, which flow into the ecologically important Waterford Harbour estuary.
Waterford has long demonstrated environmental leadership through initiatives like Clean Coasts, Blue Flag and Green Coast designations, and community-led beach clean-ups. The council has actively tackled plastic pollution through campaigns such as “Take 3 for the Sea” and partnered with local organisations to remove debris from the Suir Estuary and other waterways.
Launching the membership locally in Villierstown, Gabriel Hynes, Acting Director Of Services, Roads, Water & Environment of Waterford City & County Council said:
“We in Waterford share a vision with KIMO – clean beaches and rivers, healthy seas, and thriving coastal communities. Joining KIMO is a natural next step in strengthening our ability to protect these vital ecosystems.”
Cllr. Niamh O’Donovan, who will serve as Waterford’s political representative to KIMO, emphasised the importance of regional cooperation:
“Together with KIMO’s network of over 80 member municipalities, Waterford now has a powerful voice advocating for environmental protection on a European scale. It’s very encouraging to see everyone come together in support of this.”
With its inclusion in KIMO, Waterford City & County Council looks forward to closer collaboration with European partners, sharing knowledge, and contributing to collective efforts to safeguard the Irish Sea and its rich marine biodiversity.
ENDS
