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A RECORD NUMBER of Blue Flags have been awarded this year, with Kerry topping the list again with 14.
83 beaches and seven marinas were awarded Blue Flags, an increase of two since 2017, An Taisce announced today.
Donegal came in just behind Kerry with 13 Blue Flags, followed closely by Mayo with 12.
The counties with the fewest flags were Sligo with one and Dublin with only two.
When the first awards were presented in 1988 only 21 flags were awarded.
Beaches that receive this accolade adhere to specific criteria related to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and site management.
The Blue Flag will be raised for the first time at Carne in County Wexford and at Ardmore in County Waterford for the first time since 1997.
Click here for a larger version of this map
An Taisce announced the International Blue Flag and Green Coast Award recipients for 2018 at The Martello Hotel in Bray, County Wicklow.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ian Diamond Coastal Awards Manager for An Taisce said:
The Blue Flag is an award of excellence. The beaches and marinas that have achieved this accolade today have complied with strict criteria relating to water quality, safety, facilities for visitors, beach management, environmental education and the provision of information.
59 Green Coast awards were also presented, two fewer than 2017.
The Green Coast awards focus on community involvement and encourage local authorities to work together with local communities in the management of sites.
Cork received 13 Green Coast Awards, making it the most awarded county this year, with nine blue flags awarded also.
Having not met the excellent water quality standard required, Mornington in Meath, Port Arthur in Donegal, Waterville Town Beach in Kerry and Kilfarrassey in Waterford, did not receive a Green Coast Award for 2018.
To achieve the award, beaches must also have excellent water quality and have effective and appropriate management to ensure the protection of the natural environment.
Only beaches that meet the excellent standard for both E. Coli and Intestinal Enterococci parameters are eligible for the award.
Diamond praised an important aspect of the Green Coast Awards, the involvement of Clean Coasts groups, of which there are now over 600, made up of thousands of volunteers throughout the country.
Clean Coasts groups contribute significantly to the protection of Ireland’s coastal environment, over the past year these groups removed over 750 tonnes of litter from our coastline.
”Local Authorities, marina operators and local communities should be commended for their efforts in achieving Blue Flag and Green Coast award status today,” Diamond concluded.
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What a credit to the outstanding work done by communities who actively protect their amenitites. well done all
I’m surprised any Irish beaches have blue flags. Most of them don’t have proper access to them or clean toilets or even rubbish bins. Compared to beaches in other countries, Ireland is lagging badly behind. We might not have the weather but our county councils need to do a much better job of maintaining our beaches
Compared to other countries our beaches are frequently pristine. Quiet, hidden, unspoilt, off the beaten track and absolutely PRISTINE. Long may they stay that way. Enjoy the natural amenity. Leave only footprints. Take only memories.
@@UK: it’s part of the criteria for blue flag beaches. Not only to have toilets but clean sustainable ones and not only to have bins but to have separated recycling facilities. And he beach must be ‘clean’ to a pretty high standard. So I’m Gona take their regimented program for judgement of beaches over I subjective one.
Carlow has the best beaches
Castlegregory is a beautiful spot.
Sligo does not have the fewest. Leitrim has no Blue Flag on its beaches. Get it right thejournal.
@David Dickson: As someone who lives in Leitrim I have to say that I’ve never actually been over to our 2.5 miles of coastline to see if there’s a usable beach there. I’m sure someone else might let me know. I’m somewhat shocked about Sligo though. It has to be all down to facilities rather than water quality.
@David Dickson: probably was counted under sligo or donegal as its only 2.5 km long!
@Patrick J. O’Rourke: you’re a disgrace to your county.
Barleycove near Crookhaven in West Cork is an absolute gem!
Dogs bay Rounstone Galway
@Jim Kenny: That’s a good one.
@Conor: On reflection my comment looks sarcastic, it was not. It’s a lovely beach with great views.
@Conor: well worth a vist seriously magical on a sunny day beautiful white sand
@Conor: beautiful white sand .well worth a vist especially on a nice sunny day. You wont be dissapionted
@Jim Kenny: one of the best and most beautiful beaches in ireland!
People, Carry in, carry out! Be responsible. I don’t want recycling centers at beaches. The onus is on the users. Yes, bathroom facilities are a must. Keep our beaches natural and pristine. Sligo has beautiful beaches, Strandhill, Rosses Point, Enniscrone, Auchross, and a lot of small hidden gems.
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