Eight of our best and most popular beaches keep the Blue Flag flying
EIGHT of Northern Ireland’s beaches have earned the right to fly the Blue Flag this year — however two which received the honour in 2016 have missed out.
Two marinas have also retained their Blue Flags following the announcement yesterday by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.
The beaches are: Cranfield West; Murlough; Tyrella; Benone; Downhill; West Strand, Whiterocks and Portstewart Strand.
Portstewart beach, owned by the National Trust, also has a Seaside Award.
Beaches with a Blue Flag demonstrate their commitment to protecting the coastal environment, water quality, safety and access for all.
The total number has dropped from 10 last year to eight in 2017, with Crawfordsburn and Castlerock missing out this time round.
However, they were among 12 in Northern Ireland recognised with the Seaside Award — the national standard for beaches across the UK.
The others in this category are Ballycastle; Portrush East Strand; Waterfoot; Ballywalter; Groomsport; Millisle; Ballygally, Brown’s Bay and Carnlough.
Meanwhile, Helen’s Bay and Minerstown have received the Green Coast Award.
This is in recognition of an agreement between the operator and the local community to protect and promote a natural beach environment rather than developing visitor infrastructure. Elsewhere, Ballycastle and Ballyronan marinas have retained their Blue Flags. Tony Wilcox, chairman of the board of trustees of Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, congratulated the operators, which range from councils to Government departments and the National Trust, on their success.
“Having Northern Ireland’s world class beaches managed to such high standards is helping improve the quality of our lives as well as attracting visitors,” he said.
“Beach operators are inspirational people showing that all of us can play our part in loving where we live. And, in most council areas, the Live Here Love Here campaign is building on this to inspire everyone to get involved in creating cleaner, greener and healthier places to live, learn and work.”
The awards came in time for the official bathing season, which runs from June 1 until September 15.
Mr Wilcox added: “With weeks of fine weather in early May prompting hopes of a fine summer, beaches are gearing up for an influx of visitors.
“To help everyone find their ideal award-winning beach or marina, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful have created a visitor map highlighting the facilities offered at each beach and also including suggestions for activities or attractions.
“The guide will be available online, via Tourist Information centres, at award beaches, and in larger bus and rail stations.”