Ireland's beaches are ‘shore’ to be awash with tourists this summer as Blue Flags were dished out to over 80.
This eco seal of approval pinpoints the cleanest sands and safest water along Ireland’s striking coastline.
But beach goers in Donegal and Mayo are urged to clean up their act after two hotspots lost their prestigious Blue Flag badge.
Meanwhile, Kerry is the jewel in the crown as it tops the poll with 13 beaches and one marina scooping the prize.
The Emerald Isle has also nabbed a whopping 62 Green Coast Awards.
These winning locations are chosen based on natural beauty and a clean coastline.
Volunteers are rolling up their sleeves with community clean-ups that are yielding exceptional results.
The rebels are leading the charge with 14 Green Coast Awards for Cork.
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Environment bosses chose the breath-taking backdrop of Spanish Point, County Clare, to dole out the prizes to council bosses and green campaigners during a ceremony at the Armada Hotel, yesterday (Mon).
Sophie Bachet Granados, International Blue Flag Director, said: “The Blue Flag has operated in Ireland for over thirty year’s now.
“The Blue Flag is a symbol of excellence in environmental education, management, water quality, safety and services.”
80 beaches and eight marinas achieved this accolade, down two on last year’s total.
Bundoran, Donegal, and Bertra and Golden Strand in Mayo lost out.
But Rathmullan Strand, Donegal, scooped a Blue Flag for the first time.
Separately, Green Coast Awards went to 62 beautiful beaches.
The contest was initially rolled out in County Wexford in 2003 and five years later the contest was extended nationwide.
Seapoint in Termonfeckin is the first site in County Louth to receive a Green Coast Award.
Cadogan’s Strand in Cork has regained its title for the first time in eight years.
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A whopping 800 community groups dotted around the coast are the driving force sprucing up our shoreline.
Ian Diamond, An Taisce, said: “We would like to acknowledge in particular the dedication of Clean Coasts groups around the coast who give up their time to care for their local beaches throughout the year.”
Housing and Local Government Minister, Eoghan Murphy, also paid tribute.
The Minister said: “It is a reflection of the outstanding efforts of citizen and community groups and the great work carried out by An Taisce and the Local Authorities.”
It is a double whammy for five beaches that achieved dual status.
Portmarnock in Fingal, County Dublin, Salthill and Silver Strand in Galway, Rosses Point in Sligo and Ballinskelligs in Kerry now have Blue Flags and Green Coast Awards.
