A community-led organisation focusing on protecting and restoring ecological, cultural, and economic connections between the land and sea in Galway Bay, has been awarded for its efforts.

Cuan Beo has been recognised for its commitment to water advocacy and marine restoration, receiving the Waters and Communities Award for the North West & West region at the 2025 SuperValu TidyTowns Awards.

The award ceremony, held in Westport, honoured exceptional community efforts that connect people with their local aquatic environments through action, education, and advocacy.

Representatives from Cuan Beo accepted the award during the regional presentation, which acknowledged the group’s dynamic work in raising awareness and driving native oyster restoration efforts in the South Galway Bay area.

The Waters and Communities Award highlights the positive impact of community-led initiatives on the protection of rivers, lakes, and coastal ecosystems.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Dara Calleary, presented the award alongside Janet Laffey of the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), commending the role of groups like Cuan Beo in advancing environmental responsibility through collaboration and local knowledge.

The recognition follows a busy year of activity for Cuan Beo, marked by grassroots events, native oyster restoration efforts, and youth engagement programmes. These ongoing projects reflect a strong belief in the power of communities to lead meaningful environmental change.

Cuan Beo expressed gratitude to all its volunteers and local supporters, as well as to its funding partners LAWPRO and The Heritage Council for their continued support in 2024.

Programme Manager of Cuan Beo, Michael Officer, said: “We’re thrilled to receive such recognition of the hard work of Cuan Beo’s volunteers and members since 2017.

“At Cuan Beo, we’re keen to inspire everyone to protect and restore our precious Galway Bay. Whether that’s people on the coastline or inland in our water catchment, we can all play a significant role in ensuring Galway Bay can thrive for years to come”.

The award not only acknowledges past achievements but also energises Cuan Beo’s work as it looks ahead to future projects.

For more information on Cuan Beo’s upcoming initiatives and how to get involved, visit www.cuanbeo.com.

Pictured: Minister Dara Calleary (centre) presenting the award to (from left) Cuan Beo Chairperson Diarmuid Kelly, Programme Manager Michael Officer and Education & Outreach officer Orla McHale, with LAWPRO’s Jannet Laffey on the left.