Blue Flag record for Irish beaches

A RECORD number of beaches in Ireland have received prestigious International Blue Flag awards this year after meeting strict standards of cleanliness, water quality and management.

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.