CORK/KERRY: Council defends quality of bathing water

Cork County Council has defended the quality of its coastal bathing water, blaming a more stringent marking criteria and the wettest summer for 50 years on the loss of Blue Flag status on four beaches.

Kerry County Council, meanwhile, expressed its delight at retaining 12 Blue Flags but conceded it was concerned about the new marking procedures. Officials plan to speak to the awards’ coordinators An Taisce.

Cork lost flags at Garryvoe, Garretstown, Barleycove and Red Barn beach in Youghal.