Rain foils blue flag beach awards

A DIP in water quality because of last summer’s heavy rain is being blamed for a downturn in the amount of Irish beaches receiving blue flag awards.

A total of 78 beaches and two inland bathing areas were yesterday presented with blue flags by Environment Minister John Gormley — down from 83 last year.

Seven beaches have lost their blue flag status since the last awards, while four others regained the environmental prize or won it for the first time.