Louth’s Blue Flag beaches provide great opportunities

Louth county council is making water safety a core focus this summer season, and encouraging people to avail of its three Blue Flag beaches

The ‘Wee County’ retained its awards in 2016 at Clogherhead, Port and Templetown.

The awards were announced by Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Simon Coveney TD, at a ceremony at the Velvet Strand, Portmarnock.

The Blue Flag is presented to beaches and marinas which have excellent water quality and which achieve high standards across a wide range of other criteria, including environmental education, management of the environment, water quality and safety.

Barry Eaton, of Louth county council said: ‘Louth may be Ireland’s smallest county, but we are justifiably proud of our diverse coastline.

‘ Tourism is extremely important to Louth and it is important that our beaches are kept clean and litter-free.

‘Our three Blue Flag beaches offer great opportunities for swimming, walking and family fun.’

He added the lifeguard services at these beaches provide a high degree of safety for those wishing to get involved in water-based activities and provide a safe environment for families and visitors alike to enjoy a great day out.

Lifeguards began patrolling the beaches over the bank holiday weekend, and they will be in situ every weekend during the month of June.

This will be extended to a seven-day week service for the months of July and August, with weekend cover again in September. Times of lifeguard patrol are 11am - 6pm.

The Blue Flag is an international award for beach excellence, which is operated in Ireland by An Taisce, with support from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.

You can find further information on Blue Flag beaches at www.blueflagireland.org or www.louthcoco.ie