Blue Flag record for Irish beaches
Blue Flags were awarded to 82 beaches and two marinas, an increase of eight on last year’s figures, and a recognition that Irish beaches are getting cleaner, according to An Taisce, the national trust that operates the awards system in Ireland.
Kerry and Mayo tie for first place with 13 Blue Flag beaches each, followed by Donegal with 12, Cork with 11 and Galway and Clare with eight apiece.
The Blue Flag beaches had to meet a specific set of criteria related to water quality, information provision, environmental education and beach management.
A further 58 beaches received National Green Coast Awards, a new and ancillary programme that recognises exceptional cleanliness at amenities that may not have the infrastructure to gain Blue Flag status. That figure is an increase of 12 over those of 2010.
The awards were announced by An Taisce yesterday and presented by Environment Minister Phil Hogan at an awards ceremony on Curracloe Beach, Co Wexford.
Despite the increase in Blue Flag beaches, some well-known bathing areas lost out this year.
Dollymount Beach in Dublin lost its Blue Flag as it did not comply with the stringent water quality requirements of the award.
Mullaghmore in Sligo could not be awarded the Blue Flag as there were ongoing issues where livestock are roaming on the main beach, creating an unsafe environment for beach users.
However, Blue Flags have been regained for Brittas Bay South in Wicklow, Traught in Kinvara, Ceibh an Spidéal in Galway, Ross (Killala) and Old Head in Mayo, all of which lost their flags in 2010.
Also restored to Blue Flag status, having lost them in previous years are Tramore in Waterford, Portrane in Fingal, Co Dublin, Youghal Front Strand in Cork and Enniscrone in Sligo.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, An Taisce education director Patricia Oliver said the agency was delighted that 2011 is a record year as it reflected the commitment shown by community groups and local authorities.
“The continuing high standards of our beaches are testament to the hard work carried out by local authorities throughout the year in order to provide clean and safe beaches for everyone to enjoy,” she said.
“I would also like to commend the many Coastcare groups that participate in caring for Ireland’s fantastic beaches through community clean-ups and coastal enhancement projects.”
Echoing her remarks, Mr Hogan said: “The increase in the number of Blue Flags in 2011 is very welcome and is due to the combined efforts of the local authorities and coastal communities on the ground as well as those in the wider catchments who are playing their part in working to improve water quality.”
Wexford County Council director of service Eddie Taaffe, expressed delight at retaining Blue Flag status at Rosslare, Curracloe, Morriscastle and Courtown.
“The Blue Flag is a mark of distinction that is highly valued by the county,” he said.
“The beaches of Cahore, Old Bawn, Ballinesker, Culleton’s Gap, Ballymoney, and Cullenstown have been awarded Green Coast awards for 2011, which is very welcome and demonstrates the commitment to improving water quality at beaches and areas designated to facilitate all aspects of recreational water use in the county.
Mr Taaffe continued: “Kilmore Quay marina has retained its Blue Flag for 2011 and remains the only coastal marina in the country. Our thanks has to go to the local coastal communities, coast care groups and to local individuals, businesses and clubs who assist in maintaining these beaches at award status and developing high-quality amenity facilities along our coastline.”
* A map showing all the award-winning beaches with descriptions, directions, facilities and pictures can be found at www.beachawards.ie.
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