Employees of the Marine Institute cleared up two full skips of rubbish from the scenic beach at Rinville, Oranmore in a voluntary effort linked to their annual staff day. Oceanographers, marine biologists, computer experts, statisticians and support personnel all pitched in to clear their nearby beach of unsightly flotsam and jetsam, led by their CEO Dr. Peter Heffernan.

So much rubbish was recovered that the first skip, supplied by Galway County Council, was soon filled and a second had to be brought in.

This is the second voluntary beach clean up undertaken by Institute staff in the last twelve months. "We are very proud of our environment and the fact that our headquarters overlooks Galway Bay" - said one member of staff. "It's a privilege to put something back into the community that has supported us so well over the years."

Further beach clean-ups will be carried out in future.