Three popular beaches have been forced to lower their coveted Blue Flag.

Environmental champions who have changed the toilet- flushing habits of hundreds of people and improved water quality in a scenic bay have been honoured for protecting the Irish coastline.

Beaches and marinas across the country are bathing in the warm waters of European approval — 86 of them have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag status.

Sixteen of the country’s best-known bathing spots have lost their coveted blue flag status this year after the introduction of more stringent standards for testing water quality by the EU.

The number of Irish beaches securing coveted Blue Flag status has hit an all-time high.