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.

The award is presented to beaches and marinas which have excellent water quality, and which achieve standards in environmental education, management of the environment, safety and other services.

Overall, 77 Irish beaches and marinas were given the award this year compared to 80 last year. In the North, six beaches were given the blue flag, three fewer than last year.

Dollymount Strand in Dublin retained its flag – making it the only blue flag beach in Dublin city and county. There are 13 Mayo beaches and 12 in Donegal with the flag, 12 in Kerry, eight in Cork, eight in Clare, eight in Galway, five in Wexford, three in Wicklow, three in Louth, two in Waterford and one each in Sligo and Westmeath.

While admitting disappointment at the loss of the flags, Mr Gormley said they were due to a deterioration in water quality attributable to the exceptionally heavy rainfall during the 2008 bathing season.

“These losses are disappointing especially as a significant effort has been put into the Blue Flag programme at all of these locations. We must remember that our beaches are very valuable tourist destinations both from locals and overseas so investment in them by local authorities is essential. Local authorities must remember that in good weather, such as the recent spell, these beaches will attract many tourists and these tourists will spend in the locality and this expenditure is good for local shops, and businesses.”

He also expressed his expectation that with €500 million being invested in national water services infrastructure, such as waste water collection and treatment, there will be improvements in water quality in coming years.

An Taisce has launched a new website www.beachawards.ie, which will provide information on all facilities and services at Blue Flag and Green Coast beaches in Ireland. Further details on their water quality is due to be added shortly.

Green coast awards were also awarded to more rural beaches with excellent water quality but often lacking in the surrounding services of their blue flag counterparts. In the Republic 40 beaches were given this award – an increase of seven.