Blue Flags for Portmarnock and Balcarrick

TWO local beaches will be even more attractive to swimmers this summer after winning a prestigious environmental award.

Last week An Taisce announced the International Blue Flag Award recipients for the 2016 bathing season.

Portmarnock and Balcarrick in Donabate were among the winners. However, on the downside, Portrane beach lost the Blue Flag it had last year, due to its water quality being deemed “good rather than excellent”. 

The Blue Flag programme aims to raise awareness and promote sound environmental practices and behaviours among beach and marina users.  

The 79 Irish beaches and six marinas that achieved this accolade for 2016 met a 

specific set of criteria related to water quality, information 

provision, environmental education, safety and beach management.

Speaking at the awarding of the flags, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Simon Coveney, said: “In Ireland, we are particularly fortunate to have a varied and beautiful coastline with many pristine beaches that are open to the public to enjoy. 

“However, we cannot rest on our laurels and must continue to make strident efforts to protect and improve our waters. 

“This will ensure that we, and future generations, can continue to enjoy this wonderful resource.”

Paul Mulville, an Independent councillor for the Swords Local Electoral Area (LEA), 

said it is a “great disappointment” that Portrane has lost its Blue Flag.

Cllr Mulville has called on Fingal County Council to put a plan in place, working with the local community, to ensure the Blue Flag will be restored to Portrane as a priority.