Nation’s Blue Flag beach tally still 94
Environment
THE number of Blue Flags awarded to Irish beaches and marinas remains unchanged but three previous winners have lost out and been replaced, according to An Taisce.
Blue Flags are an internationally recognised symbol to highlight water quality, environmental management, education and safety.
This year, 85 beaches and nine marinas will be able to fly the prestigious accolade, while a record-breaking 70 green coast awards have also been granted.
County Kerry won the most Blue Flags with 13, followed by Donegal and Mayo on 12 and Cork with 11.
Rush South Beach in Fingal, Ballymoney North Beach in
Wexford and Tramore in Waterford all lost the status for 2024 because they did not achieve “excellent” bathing water quality status.
They have been rated “good” for the past four years – the second highest classification.
Meanwhile, Bettystown Beach,
Meath has been awarded a Blue Flag for the first time since 1996 and Enniscrone in Sligo, for the first time since 2014.
Traught also regained Blue Flag status last held in 2021.
Marina flags fell from 10 to nine because Donegal’s Greencastle Marina did not reapply because of construction work.
The awards were presented by Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton at the Bay Hotel in Galway’s Salthill yesterday.
She said: “As a Galway minister, I am particularly proud to see the return of the Blue Flag to one of my own local swimming spots, Traught Beach.
“We all know just how lucky we are to have such beautiful water quality and natural beauty and this year’s recipients are testament to just how exceptional and rich in diversity that our beaches are.
“Congratulations to everyone involved and I want to wish a very happy and safe bathing and swimming season to everyone for 2024.”
Green Coast Awards rose by four compared to last year, with Quilty Beach, Seafield in Co Clare, Cross, Louisburg; Portacloy, Enniscrone Beach and Arklow South Beach recognised after missing out in 2023.
Ten beaches across the State clinched both a Blue Flag and green coast award.
They are Fountainstown and Inchydoney East Beach in Co Cork, Balcarrick,
Donabate in Fingal as well as Salthill and Silverstrand Beaches in Galway city.
Also given a blue Flag were Tra Inis Oirr (Main Beach) in Co Galway and Baile an Sceilg in Co Kerry.
Bettystown Beach in Co Meath, Enniscrone and Rosses Point Beach in Sligo also made the standard.
I wish a happy bathing season to everyone HILDEGARDE NAUGHTON YESTERDAY