Cleaner beaches bring hope of Ulster tourism boost

Northern Ireland’s beaches are cleaner than ever, with 11 winning special awards, a new report revealed today.

The survey also found access to stretches of sand in the North was the best in the UK.

Campaigners claimed the coastline clean-up could provide a huge tourism boost by attracting visitors worldwide.

Ian Cole, director of Tidy Northern Ireland which helped organise the UK-wide Seaside Awards scheme, insisted that hard work allied to the lasting peace process had paid off.

He said: “An influx of foreign tourists to Northern Ireland is a distinct possibility.”

The record haul of winners from Northern Ireland included: Ballycastle, Benone Strand, Cranfield West, Portrush East and West Strands, Portstewart Strand, Tyrella and Warrenpoint.

Two new entries made it on to the list – Portrush White Rocks and Cushendun - and there was one re-entry, Millisle Lagoon.

Portrush East Strand also made it into the top three most improved resorts across the UK, with its rating surging by 15% over last year.

The report claimed resort cleanliness had improved by 32%, with no sign of dog dirt on resort beaches.

Awards are only given to beaches offering tourists the very best facilities, cleanliness, safety and access.

Environment and Heritage Service staff test bathing water quality, and only those beaches that meet EU standards can fly yellow and blue flags through the summer months.

Surveyors who visited Northern Ireland’s resorts noted water quality information was good and access more than adequate.

General maintenance received a glowing report and an overall score of 99%.

Even though the rating for facilities such as toilets and shower blocks dropped by 4%, Mr Cole insisted the North had enjoyed a good year.

He added: “This time last year we were worried that the progress we had made in cleaning up our coastline had grown stale.

“Now we read of higher standards and three new beaches making the grade.

“This fillip will bring in extra revenue and jobs, but that doesn’t mean we’re sitting on our laurels.

“In fact, we’ll be striving ever harder to ensure Northern Ireland’s beaches are as big a draw for tourists as they are in the rest of the UK and the Republic.”

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board insisted the recognition was vital as environmental concerns play a more central part in holiday destinations.

A spokeswoman said: “Litter and dog fouling and water quality are all increasingly important in choosing one destination over another.

“People might have dismissed things they are not prepared to any more because standards are rising everywhere, and it’s good to see the standard of our beaches has matched that.”