James Cox & Robbie Byrne
A popular Co. Wexford beach has lost its Blue Flag status.
Ballymoney North Beach east of Gorey town failed to achieve the excellent water quality rating necessary to obtain Blue Flag status in 2021.
In total Ireland received 93 Blue Flags for its best beaches and marinas this year, the record figure is two more than 2020.
Wexford now has seven flags followed by Waterford on five.
Inchydoney east beach and Warren in Cork, Killiney in Dublin and Golden strand in Mayo got a Blue Flag this year.
The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised eco-labels, it originated in France in 1985 when French coastal local authorities were awarded with the Blue Flag for compliance with sewage treatment and bathing water quality criteria.
Environment
It was launched as an International programme as part of the European Year of the Environment in 1987.
In 1988, the first year sites were awarded outside of France 19 beaches and two marinas received the Blue Flag in Ireland.
This year Ireland continues to punch above its weight with a record breaking 93 sites awarded, up two on last year’s total.
The programme aims to raise environmental awareness and promote sound environmental management of beaches, marinas and inland bathing waters around the world.
The 83 Irish beaches and 10 marinas that have achieved this accolade must adhere to specific criteria related to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and site management.
Green Coast Award
A total of 63 beaches received the Green Coast Award for the 2021 bathing season. The Green Coast Awards were presented back in 2003 to four beaches in Co Wexford, then the award was rolled out nationally in 2008.
The award recognises beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty. An important aspect of the
Green Coast Awards is the involvement of clean coasts groups in the management of awarded sites.
South East Blue Flag Beaches & Marinas
Waterford
Tramore Beach
Ardmore Beach
Dunmore Strand, Dunmore East
Counsellors' Strand, Dunmore East
Clonea Beach
Wexford
Ballinesker Beach
Curracloe
Morriscastle
Rosslare Strand
Carne
Kilmore Quay Marina
New Ross Marina
