Downpours blamed as 5 beaches lose goldstar status

LAST summer’s torrential rain is being cited as the reason why five Irish beaches have lost their blue flag status.

Five beaches in Dublin, Kerry and Cork this year lost the international goldstar mark presented to beaches and marinas that have excellent water quality.

Killiney, Portrane and Seapoint beaches in Dublin; Magherabeg Beach in Kerry and Claycastle Beach in Youghal all lost their flag. However, Greystones in Wicklow and Clogherhead in Co Louth won the accolade.