Blue Flag beaches: Prized assets

It’s probably inevitable that research into, and discussion about, environmental matters will focus minds on the negative, but there are times when accentuating the positive is justifiable.

Now is such a time, and the occasion for modest congratulation is Ireland’s 2019 Blue Flag performance, with 80 beaches and marinas winning 88 accolades.

Three beaches slipped from the “excellent” rating to the merely “good”, which reduced the total Blue Flag haul by two, but Donegal’s Rathmullan Marina makes the grade for the first time, and the country’s performance in the parallel Green Coast Award programme was its best ever: 62 beaches were successful, and among them was Cork’s Cadogan’s Strand, which lost its title eight years ago.

These awards recognise beaches for their clean environment, water quality, safety, and natural beauty, and thanks are due to the public bodies and the volunteers who ensure they remain one of our island’s most prized assets.