Six Irish beaches lose blue-flag status

Six Irish beaches have lost their blue-flag status this year, according to the latest list published by the Department of the Environment.

The department says 77 beaches have been awarded blue flags this year, compared to 80 last year and 83 in 2007.

Dublin now has just one blue-flag beach at Dollymount Strand, with Killiney, Seapoint and Portrane losing their status.

Youghal Claycastle in Cork, Magherabeg in Kerry and Dunmore East in Waterford are also now considered unfit to carry a blue flag.

However, Greystones in Wicklow, Clogherhead in Louth and Bonmahon in Waterford have been accepted for the award after failing to qualify last year.