Flags still fly over Ireland’s coasts

IRELAND’s spectacular coastline has received 134 awards this year despite the devastation wrought in some areas by the storms last winter.

A total of 80 International Blue Flag and 54 National Green Coast Awards were presented to beaches and marinas across the country by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan, at an awards ceremony on Skerries South Beach in North County Dublin.

Speaking at the awards ceremony Minister Hogan said:

“I am pleased to say that a total of 134 beach and marina awards will be made today.

“This represents an increase of 15 on the 2013 awards and is testament to efforts of communities, local authorities and An Taisce and the sterling work they do.

“Results might even have been better except for the devastation of the storms last winter which caused significant damage in some areas.

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Some 76 beaches and four marinas were awarded the prestigious Blue Flag award, representing an increase of six Blue Flag awards since 2013.

Both Killiney and Seapoint on the Southside retained their Blue Flags while eight Blue Flags were regained in four local authority areas including four in Portmarnock, Portrane, Donabate and Skerries South Beach in Fingal.

Blue Flag applications were received for 81 beaches in total, however, five beaches were not awarded the Blue Flag due to ongoing works to repair extensive damage caused by the spring storms.

A total of 54 beaches in Ireland were awarded the Green Coast Award representing an increase of nine awards.

Patricia Oliver, the Director of the Environmental Education Unit in An Taisce explained that in order to be eligible for the Blue Flag a beach or marina must comply with strict criteria relating to water quality, safety, facilities for visitors, beach management including litter control, environmental education and the provision of information.

“The Green Coast Award recognises beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty,

? she said.

“These beaches may not have the necessary built infrastructure required to meet the criteria set for Blue Flag status, however, they are exceptional places to visit and enjoy our rich coastal heritage and diversity.

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An important aspect of the Green Coast Awards is the involvement of Clean Coasts groups of which there are now over 400 comprised of thousands of volunteers throughout the island.

Ms Oliver paid tribute to these groups stating,

“Clean Coasts groups contribute significantly to the protection of Irelands coast. In 2013 over 700 beach cleans took place and these groups removed over 500,000 items of marine litter from the environment.

“Local authorities, marina operators and local communities should be commended for their efforts in achieving Blue Flag and Green Coast award status.

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