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Irish Independent
2 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Check out these breath-taking moments of the Irish coast captured by award-winning photographers
An Taisce's Clean Coasts announced the winning photographers of the 2025 Love Your Coast photography competition at an awards ceremony in EPIC, Dublin, which showcased the Irish Coast in all its wonder, captured by some of the best photographers in Ireland. Now in its 16th year, the competition celebrates the immense beauty and heritage of the coast and waterways that Clean Coasts' volunteers work tirelessly to protect. This year, Dublin photographer Maria Quigley's photograph, "Embrace the Water", was named the overall winner of the Clean Coasts 2025 Love Your Coast photography competition with her photo also taking first place in the new 'Connecting with the Coast' category. The photo dreamily illustrates the subject Bobby, in the golden soft morning light during his daily swim. Maria explained the process of capturing her photo 'I took this photo on January 9, 2025, when the sea was 7°C and ice covered the slipway. "Bobby, swims daily in the morning time all year-round, usually at Coliemore Harbour, his favourite spot. He says that missing a swim ruins his day. I was lucky to take the photo as the sun was rising at that time.' Dublin's Seán Bruen took first place in the 'Coastal Landscape' category with his photo titled 'Balbriggan Lighthouse Blowing a Gale,' which he took at Lambeecher, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin. Helen Black of Co. Wicklow swept first place in the 'Source to Sea' category with her photo 'Let there be Light' taken at Gelndasan, Co. Wicklow. Mark O'Leary was the winner of the 'Underwater' category with his photo 'The Giants' which was captured at Loop Head, Co. Clare and the 'Wildlife and the Coast' category winner was Tom Ormond with his photo titled 'Humpback Whale' taken at Donegal Bay, Co. Donegal. Four photographs in total taken in county Wexford secured places as finalists in 2025, shining a spotlight on the diverse wildlife and beauty of the model county's coast. Richard Boyle's image "Ripples" displays the stunning colours and textures of ripples across the rocks at Seafield Bay Beach in Wexford, securing a finalist spot in the 'Coastal Landscape' category. "Shag" by Stephen Dunbar, a finalist in the 'Wildlife and the Coast' category captures a dark and fascinating portrait of the coastal bird on the Saltee Islands off the Wexford Coast. Also taken on the Saltee Islands and securing a finalist spot int the 'Wildlife and the Coast' category, Des Glynn's "Rock Pipit" was captured as the small bird catches insects amongst the fauna. A finalist in the 'Underwater' category, "Tompot Blenny" was captured by Ivan Donoghue at Hook Head. This year over 560 photographers entered a total of 1,178 photos for a placement in the top three in one of five categories and their share of the €5,000 prize fund and for a shot at the coveted title of Photographer of the Year. The five distinct categories this year focused on showcasing the interconnectedness of Ireland's waterways and how people, place and nature all connect with Ireland's vital blue spaces, be it by the beach, lake, or river. Two new categories were introduced this year to highlight this theme of Connection; Connecting with the Coast, and Source to Sea, alongside firm competition favourites of Coastal Landscape, Wildlife and The Coast, and Underwater. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has been proud to support the 'Love Your Coast' Awards for many years. Love Your Coast provides a powerful forum for Ireland's most creative photographers to showcase our spectacular and beautiful coast and seas. The visual legacy that has been built up over the years will provide a powerful record for the future. Support for this inspiring programme is transferring to the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment who welcome and look forward to ongoing engagement with An Taisce in the coming years. Clean Coasts is also sponsored by Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority. Initiatives from associated Clean Coasts groups and the Green Coast Awards act as custodians for Ireland's beaches, seas, and marine life. These initiatives ensure that the Irish coastline and beaches are maintained and managed appropriately for visitors and local communities to continue to responsibly enjoy. An Taisce's Clean Coasts Programme Manager, Bronagh Moore said "The Love Your Coast photography competition, has once again received outstanding submissions which is a testament to the hugely talented photographers we have in Ireland and how they can so creatively capture the stunning beauty of our coastline and waterways. "We introduced two new categories this year to highlight our unique connection to the water and its journey from source to shore, and it proved to be hugely popular. You can see from the beauty of the photographs, why our community groups are so motivated and work tirelessly to care for and protect our coastline, marine life and waterways.' The Love Your Coast photography competition aims to promote connection to Ireland's coastal beauty and character, as captured through the lens of talented photographers who take part in the competition year after year. Finalists shortlist and winning photo details by category: Coastal Landscape 1. 1st Place: Seán Bruen 'Balbriggan Lighthouse Blowing a Gale', taken at Lambeecher, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin 2. 2nd Place: Kevin Grace, 'Dun Laoghaire Pier Sunrise', taken at Dun Laoghaire Pier, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin 3. 3rd Place: Brendan Alexander, 'Milky Way over the Murder Hole', taken at Murder Hole Beach, Downing, Co. Donegal Finalists: 4. Richard Boyle, 'Ripples', taken at Seafield Bay Beach, Co. Wexford 5. Ann Bruen, 'Moonrise Magic' taken in Greenore, Co. Louth. 6. Ciaran Willmore, 'Light Breaker', taken at Clogher Head, Co. Kerry 7. Nina Finn-Kelcey, 'Moon Over Cromane', taken at Cromane Lower, Killorglin, Co. Kerry 8. Noel O Neill, 'Minard Castle and Snow Capped Reeks', taken at Minard Castle Lispole, Tralee, Co. Kerry 9. Adrian Fingleton, 'Milky Way', taken on Brittas Bay, Co. Wicklow 10. Michael Linehan, 'Twin Lights', taken at Great South Bull Wall, Co. Dublin. Source to Sea 1. 1st Place: Helen Black, 'Let there be Light', taken at Glendasan, Co. Wicklow 2. 2nd Place: Felix Sproll, 'Rainbow Island', taken at Pine Island, Connemara, Co. Galway 3. 3rd Place: Aoife Hester, 'Mirror Lough', taken at Kylemore Lough, Connemara, Co. Galway Finalists: 4. Lorraine Schilder, 'Sunrise on the Boyne', taken at Slane Bridge, Slane, Co. Meath 5. Adrian Hendroff, 'Lower Lake Aurora', taken in Glendalough, Co. Wicklow 6. Magnus Huber, 'Lough Inagh', taken at Lough Inagh, Connemara National Park, Co. Galway 7. Michael Goulding, 'Machair Dunes at Sunrise', taken at Machair Dunes, Mulranny, Co. Mayo 8. Terry Conroy, 'River Coming Home', taken at Keem Beach, Achill, Co. Mayo 9. Zoe Lynch, 'Beyond the Wall', taken at The Guinness Lake, Lough Tay, Ballinastoe, Co. Wicklow 10. Barry Murphy, 'Beautiful Autumn Waterfall', taken in Glenmalure, Co. Wicklow Connecting with the Coast 1. 1st Place: Maria Quigley, 'Embrace the Water', taken Coliemore Harbour, Dalkey, Co. Dublin. Also, winner of the overall 'Photographer of the Year' Award 2025 2. 2nd Place: Martin Byrne, 'Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway', taken at White Bay Beach, Co. Cork. 3. Joint 3rd Place: Darragh Gorman, 'Play', taken at Rossnowlagh Co. Donegal 4. Joint 3rd Place: Sasha Coen, 'Out of my Depth', taken at Murder Hole Beach, Sheephaven Bay, Co. Donegal Finalists: 5. Kevin Doyle, 'Golden Surge', taken at Tramore Beach, Co. Waterford 6. Mark Simpson, 'Evening Walk', taken at Sandymount Beach, Co. Dublin 7. Seán Berry, 'Kick about at the Beach', taken at Gyles Quay Co. Louth 8. Dave Stanley, 'What a Wonderful World', taken in Bettystown, Co. Meath 9. Shauna Ward, 'Yolanda in the Sea', taken at Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo 10. Felix Sproll, 'Jumping over the Moon', Blackrock Diving Tower, Salthill, Co. Galway Underwater 1. 1st Place: Mark O'Leary, 'The Giants', taken at Loop Head, Co. Clare 2. 2nd Place: Shazia Waheed, 'Blue-rayed Limpets', taken at Pollock Holes, Kilkee, Co. Clare 3. 3rd Place: Annegret Pfuetzner, 'Firework Anemone', Kilbricken, Co. Galway Finalists: 4. Stephen Frawley, 'Dancing in the Light', taken at Sandycove, Co. Dublin 5. Anna Kellagher, 'Cloaked Hermit Crab', taken in Portmagee, Co. Kerry 6. Brian Casey, 'Want to Play?', taken in Dalkey Island, Co. Dublin 7. Derek Bolton, 'Emerald Jewel', taken at Small Sovereign Island, Oysterhaven Bay, Co. Cork. 8. Éabha Hughes, 'Hiding in Plain Sight', taken in Kilkee, Co. Clare. 9. Ivan Donoghue, 'Tompot Blenny', taken at Hook Head, Co Wexford 10. John Bennett, 'Camouflage and Calm, Nature's Illusionist', taken at Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork Wildlife and the Coast 1. 1st Place: Tom Ormond, 'Humpback Whale', taken at Donegal Bay, Co. Donegal. 2. 2nd Place: Dan Ryan, 'Death At Dusk', taken at Dungarvan Harbour, Co. Waterford 3. 3rd Place: Christopher Howes, 'Sealed with a Kiss', taken at Brides Head, Wicklow Town, Co. Wicklow Finalists: 4. Stephen Dunbar, 'Shag', Saltee Islands, Co. Wexford 5. Des Glynn, 'Rock Pipit', Great Saltee Island, Co. Wexford 6. Anna Kellagher, Sunbathing Lizard, Derrynane Co. Kerry 7. Fabienne Perrin, 'Cormorant Twin', taken at Ireland's Eye, Co Dublin 8. Piotr Rak, 'Scavenger', Taken at North Bull Island Nature Reserve 9. Christopher Martin, 'Grey Seal Meal', taken at the River Lee, in Cork City 10. Christopher Howes, 'Star Fisher', taken at Arklow South Beach, Arklow, Co. Wicklow
Irish Independent
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Wexford County Council agrees to meet public to discuss controversial safe routes to school schemes
In addition, the works will lead to the widening of footpaths, narrowing of roads, and tightening of junctions in the two villages. However, those living in The Ballagh and Kiltealy have voiced their discontent regarding the schemes with many accusing the organisation behind The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) initiative (An Taisce) of not engaging with the public prior to finalising its plans. In the Ballagh, a public meeting saw 64 per cent of those in attendance reject the proposed scheme in their village, while in Kiltealy there have been 92 submissions made by members of the public raising concerns about the layout of the scheme and how it will affect residents. With the council under increasing pressure to liaise with the public, director or roads Eamonn Hore has announced that two information evenings will be arranged in the villages between August 5-15. In a letter issued to all relevant stakeholders, Mr Hore said that 'following these meetings a decision will be made to proceed with the Safe Routes to School plans or not to proceed with the plans. Wexford County Council would like to see all representatives of the village who have an interest in Safe Routes to Schools, including parents, residents and business owners attend at these meetings. We all aim to keep the children safe.' Mr Hore also drew attention to the fact that the delivery plan and audits for the schemes were presented to each school's board of management on February 19 (Ballaghkeene) and March 4 (Kiltealy) and that the latter also included a walkability audit carried out in the village with students and the Green Schools Travel Officer. The decision to meet with the public comes after local councillors chose to go 'in committee' to discuss the schemes at two district meetings last week. On Tuesday morning last, at the July meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD), cathaoirleach Councillor Barbara Anne Murphy proposed that the media be asked to leave so that councillors could discuss the Kiltealy safe routes scheme privately. Cllr Jackser Owens objected to this proposal and the matter was put to a vote with Cllrs Aidan Browne, Pat Kehoe, and Trish Byrne voting to go in committee, and Cllr Owens, and John O'Rourke voting to hold the discussion with members of the media present. As a result the subsequent discussion was held privately. Later that day, at the Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District (GKMD) councillors held a private meeting with members of the community from The Ballagh prior to their public meeting. The media was not invited to attend the private meeting. However, at the county council meeting a day prior, some discussion on the schemes took place under the full glare of the assembled press. ADVERTISEMENT Councillor Paddy Kavanagh was the first to raise the topic, contending that neither he, nor the people he represents, had been consulted regarding the Ballaghkeene scheme. 'I have no objection to the SRTS, it's a fabulous initiative, it's putting in ramps and safety features into villages where it's long overdue,' he said. 'This is something which would have constantly been raised about The Ballagh in the past. But if An Taisce is coming to a village to alter that village permanently, it should consult with those living locally. 'Its engineers met with the school, the principal, the parish priest, the parents association, and the board of management; they also consulted with some of the businesses which were directly affected, and those people were of the opinion that these engineers were going to come back to them. But they never came back. "On the day we voted on this at our last district meeting in Gorey, there wasn't even a map for the elected representatives to consult. It would have been so much easier for those engineers if they'd had a public meeting with the people of the parish who are going to be affected by these works for years and years to come. 'I am not for or against this, but I would like to see some safety measures going in for the schoolchildren and to slow the traffic going through the village. But the local people have to have their say.' Cllr Barbara Anne Murphy meanwhile, believed a public information event was the only way to counteract a lot of what she described as 'misinformation and disinformation' which had been circulated in Kiltealy. 'People need to know what's actually proposed and what the options are and the difference it would make to the village,' she said. 'There's an organised 'no' campaign in Kiltealy which is difficult to overcome. People feel intimidated by it.' While events later in the week would suggest Mr Hore agreed that there was a need for a public information event, he remained of the opinion that the relevant bodies had received due warning of the proposed plans. 'On April 9 an email was sent to the councillors with all the relevant documentation, including every single plan, the drawings, all the proposed works, and the locations of the pedestrian crossings,' he said. 'On June 16 there was a meeting with the post office, the local shop, and the landowners, and on June 17 there was a report made to the GKMD with the active travel team in attendance.' Insisting he had not received any detailed maps in April, Cllr Kavanagh felt that an effort had been to made to slip the scheme by unnoticed. 'Any maps I have seen since (at the local meetings) were all on A4 sheets, something major like this should be put on the wall in a hall, and be big enough for people to see it properly,' he said. 'It seems like An Taisce was trying to keep the plans closely under wraps and have it on view for a minute amount of time. That's a sad indictment of the way the councillors have been used.'
Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- Irish Examiner
Ireland's unique coast captured in a gallery of beautiful images
Explore the natural beauty of Ireland's coast as well as the marine life it supports in this stunning gallery of images taken by the finalists in Love Your Coast 2025. Love your Coast is the annual photography competition hosted by Clean Coasts, an An Taisce programme that supports communities in caring for and protecting Ireland's coastline, waterways and marine life. The photographers who have entered this competition, now in its 16th year, have a dual purpose in taking these stunning. While putting a spotlight on the natural beauty of the coast and marine life, they also remind us of the role that we all can play in helping to protect it. Felix Sproll's image entitled 'Rainbow Island' captures a rainbow over Pine Island in Galway; also a finalist in the 2025 Clean Coasts Love Your Coast Photography Competition. The competition is just one of the many initiatives used by Clean Coasts to showcase Ireland's coastline and to remind us of how exposed nature can be to the impact of humankind. And, of course, these are also just beautiful images to look at and enjoy. Click on the 'Gallery' button below to see the 50 images in Love Your Coast 2025: Gallery Clean Coasts Love Your Coast photography competition 2025 Clean Coasts 2025 Gallery The LYC 2025 overall Photographer of the Year award went to Maria Quigley, for her image 'Embrace the Water.' The image also won the 'Connecting with the Coast' category. The image was captured at sunrise on a freezing January morning at Coliemore Harbour, a moment that radiates both the sting of cold and the calm release of a daily ritual. Speaking on the image, Maria said: "Bobby swims daily all year-round, usually at Coliemore Harbour, his favourite spot. I took this photo on January 9th, 2025, when the sea was 7°C and ice covered the slipway. Bobby says missing a swim ruins his day. I was lucky to take the photo as the sun was rising at that time." Annegret Pfuetzner's photo 'Firework Anemone' was shot while diving in Galway as part of Seasearch Ireland activities. The images here are a selection of the finalists across five distinct categories: Coastal Landscape, Connecting with the Coast, Source to Sea, Wildlife and the Coast, Underwater. For more info on Clean Coasts, see: Sean Bruen's photo 'Balbriggan Lighthouse Blowing a Gale' was taken in Dublin; it captures one of the iconic storms we experienced in January of this year at the Lighthouse in Balbriggan.
Irish Independent
6 days ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Historic building on Galway's oldest grounds approved for restoration works
The structure, located on Middle Street in the heart of the city, sits on an architectural conservation area and is a registered protected structure with the National Built Heritage Service. The focus of the renovations involves repairs to the chimney stack, facilitating a new roof, and replacing windows and doors throughout. The standing building reflects its historic period with an exposed limestone façade, and a fragment of an upside-down coat of arms dated back to 1590. The current three-story building, constructed in 1820, stands on a site that appears in historical maps as far back as 1583, when the first known map of Galway was drawn. Approval was granted under 13 conditions, including the requirement to hire a Conservation Architect to safeguard the protected structure, and a stipulation that the property remain a 'Principal Private Residence' and never be used as a short-term let. An Taisce submitted a statement expressing concerns about the potential for the site to appear derelict and the significant effort required to restore it as a residential family home. By 1651, maps of Galway showed more detailed illustrations of the growing city, including street layouts and depictions of multi-story buildings with thatched roofs and courtyards. The approximate location of the site is identifiable on these maps. Then in 1855, a residential valuation map shows the site, already built at this time, assessed at mid-value range. The building was likely refurbished in the early-mid20th century as fixtures reflect that time. The ground floor of the building is presently a Podiatry clinic, and the focus of the renovations will be on the residence space on the top floors. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Irish Independent
26-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Wexford primary school scoops national award for work on water conservation and environmental action
Their work in this area has led to their school being named a Green Schools Water School of the Year at the An Taisce Green Schools Awards which were held in Dublin recently. Murrintown NS was named a regional winner following the staff and pupils' efforts in water conservation and environmental action. Naturally curious, the kids paid a visit to the Mayglass Water Treatment Plant, where they learned all about how clean water is produced and gained insights into sustainable water use. The experience served to reinforce the importance of protecting water as a vital resource. Last year, the school hosted an Action Day, combining community spirit and environmental awareness. A coffee morning fundraiser was held in support of a water charity active in Africa, while every class participated in art lessons to create sea creatures from recycled materials. The colourful, imaginative artwork was proudly displayed throughout the school, reminding everyone of the beauty of our oceans. The day also featured student-led sustainability efforts. Senior pupils took part in a clean-up around the school grounds, while junior classes embraced a 'No Energy' afternoon, taking their lessons outdoors and turning off devices in a collective effort to conserve energy. These activities were complemented by a student pledge, with children promising to take everyday actions (like switching off taps and recycling) to help protect the planet with all their hearts. Cathy Baxter, An Taisce Director of Education, said: 'The Green-Schools Water Awards are one of the highlights of our year. They celebrate the creativity, commitment and teamwork of students and teachers working together to protect one of our most precious resources: water. These young people are leading by example and showing that real environmental change begins in our schools and communities. We're so proud of their efforts and inspired by their impact.'
