Regaining Blue Flags ‘a victory in litter war’

The regaining of Blue Flags shows that communities are winning the battle against litter on our beaches.

That was the view of one of the many representatives from Cork community groups who, with politicians, convened over the weekend at the Trident Hotel in Kinsale for the county’s official Blue Flag and Green Coast awards ceremony.

An Taisce has awarded Co Cork seven Blue Flags and 10 Green Coast awards for 2015.

Garretstown and Redbarn (Youghal) return to Blue Flag recognition after a year’s absence.

County mayor Alan Coleman said Blue Flag status was now widely considered by a discerning public before visiting beaches, while the newer Green Coast, awarded for water quality, environment and natural beauty, was fast reaching similar consideration.

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“The Green Flag is very much a council collaboration with a strong community emphasis,” he said.

Kevin Murphy, chairman of Cork County Council’s environment special purposes committee, stressed the importance of the flags in Cork’s Wild Atlantic Way participation.

Paying tribute to community groups in the battle against litter and dog fouling, he said Cork County Council “will always be available” with assistance.

He spoke of a new initiative whereby four dedicated trucks are deployed to monitor litter blackspots.

Cork County Council water safety officer Caroline Casey outlined a new scheme, in which she oversees a water safety programme in all 365 national schools in the county.

Pupils are taught water awareness and safety techniques through practical exercises and board games. Water safety flags are awarded to each school on completion of the programme. Applications are running at 20 per week by e-mail at [e-mail].

Catherine Collins, chairwoman of Oysterhaven and Nohoval Residents’ Association, accepted a fourth Green Coast flag on behalf of the committee, which had erected bird and wild flower information stands, assisted by a marine biologist. More than 30 students helped with beach cleaning.

Helen Mulcahy of Youghal Municipal District was “delighted” with the return of Redbarn’s Blue Flag,

and though the strand must carry signage discouraging bathing this summer “this is reflective only of tests taken in past years,” she said.

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