Record Number Of Blue Flag Beaches
A record high of 99 Blue Flags are being awarded today, 89 to beaches and 10 to marinas across the country.
Those given Blue Flags must adhere to specific standards, including water quality, information provisions and environmental education.
Kerry is the county with the most Blue Flags this year at 15, followed by Donegal with 14.
Keel Beach on Achill Island off Mayo has been awarded a Blue Flag for the 37th consecutive year, while there are three which have had Blue Flags for 37 non-consecutive years: Clonea in Waterford, as well as Banna and Ballyheigue in Kerry.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne said:
"We’ve come a long way since the beginning of Ireland’s Blue Flag awards in 1988, when 19 beaches and 2 marinas were recognised.
“This didn’t happen by magic. Great credit must go to local authorities, An Taisce, coastal communities and particularly all those local volunteers who have worked tirelessly around the country to keep so many of our coastal areas, beaches and marinas in pristine condition for us all to enjoy."
