Rosses Point retained its Blue Flag status when the various recipients were announced by An Taisce for 2019.
The Blue Flag and Green Coast awards were presented at ceremony held at The Armada Hotel overlooking Spanish point Blue Flag beach in Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare on Monday afternoon.
Dunmoran Strand, Rosses Point and Streedagh were awarded Green Coast awards.
The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised eco-labels. The Blue Flag 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. 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 2 marinas received the Blue Flag in Ireland.
The 80 Irish beaches and 8 marinas that have achieved this accolade must adhere to specific criteria related to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and site management.
The number of sites receiving the award is down two on last year’s total.
The Green Coast Award recognises beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty. Green Coast Award sites are exceptional places to visit and enjoy our rich coastal heritage and diversity
The Green Coast Awards were presented back in 2003 to four beaches in County Wexford, it was rolled out nationally in 2008 and has gone from strength to strength ever since.
The award recognises beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty. An important aspect of the Green Coast Awards is the management of sites in partnership with local Clean Coasts groups. These volunteers participate in community clean-ups and in cooperation with Local Authorities help sensitively manage their local beaches throughout the year.
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