Tougher standards see 16 top bathing spots lose Blue Flag status

Sixteen of the country’s best-known bathing spots have lost their coveted blue flag status this year after the introduction of more stringent standards for testing water quality by the EU.

However, three other beaches have been added to the list, with Killiney and Seapoint in Co Dublin regaining their status, while the Royal Yacht Club Marina in Cork obtains the award for the first time.

Overall, 70 beaches and four marinas were awarded the much-prized blue flag, a decrease of 13 on last year.