CO CLARE: Methods blamed for muddying the waters

Despite having excellent water quality, two beaches failed to get Blue Flags for 2013 — because of a mathematical anomaly.

Calculation methods used to implement strict new EU guidelines have been blamed by Clare County Council for the loss of Blue Flag status for two of the county’s most popular tourist beaches.

Clare received six awards in the 2013 Blue Flag list but two of its best-known bathing areas, Lahinch and White Strand in Miltown Malbay, lost their coveted status.