Green Coast seal of approval for 12 more locations

THE National Green Coast Award has shown another year of growth with an additional 12 beaches receiving the award for 2011.

Cork boasts the most winners with 12 beaches receiving Green Coast Awards, while Mayo gained eight awards, with seven each for Galway and Donegal.

There has been one loser this year. Trá Leadbh Garbh in Donegal lost its Green Coast Award as it did not comply with water quality requirements. However, Cullenstown and Ballymoney in Wexford regained their Green Coast Award.

Enniscrone in Sligo received the Green Coast Award for the first time, while in Dublin, awards went to Skerries South, Rush, The Brook, Balcarrick and Malahide in Fingal.

The number of awards in Mayo also increased with Cross, Silver Strand, Ballycastle and Portacloy all achieving the standard.

Green Coast Awards go to beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty. They may not have the necessary built infrastructure to meet the criteria for Blue Flag status but are still judged to be exceptional places to visit and enjoy. They are confined to rural beaches in Ireland, the North and Wales.

According to An Taisce, the Green Coast Award is “objective-led and encourages best practice in the management of rural beaches and emphasises community involvement in coastal management.”

* Further information can be found on the Cleancoast website www.cleancoastproject.org or directly from An Taisce on 01-4002210.