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Clare retains Blue Flags and Green Coast Awards

22 May 2019

An Taisce has awarded the prestigious International Blue Flag to 9 Clare beaches, including Whitestrand, Miltown Malbay, Ballycuggeran, Whitestrand Doonbeg, Mountshannon, Cappa, Fanore, Spanish Point, Kilkee and Lahinch.

Green Coast Awards were also awarded for the third year running to the beaches at Bishops Quarter (Ballyvaughan), Seafield (Quilty) and Ballyalla Lake.

The Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards were accepted on behalf of Clare County Council by Councillor Michael Hillery; Carmel Kirby, Director of Physical Development; Clare McGrath, Clare Water Safety Development Officer and staff of Clare County Council, at a ceremony held in Spanish Point.

The Blue Flag is a prestigious environmental eco-label awarded to over 4000 beaches and marinas in 49 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada and the Caribbean. The award, which is operated in Ireland by An Taisce on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) - represents high standards in water quality, environmental information and education, environmental management and safety, services and facilities.  

The Green Coast Award recognises beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty and is targeted at beaches that may not have the necessary built infrastructure required to meet the criteria set for Blue Flag status. Bishops Quarter, Seafield and Ballyalla Lake were awarded by the Irish Green Coast Award Jury following bathing water quality tests and beach inspections carried out in 2018 and assessment of the beach management plans submitted by Clare County Council to An Taisce.

Meanwhile, lifeguard cover at Clare’s Blue Flag beaches commences during the June Bank Holiday Weekend (11.00am to 7.00pm). Cover will continue on Saturdays and Sundays during the month of June. There will be full-time time cover at these locations as well as at Bishops Quarter (Ballyvaughan) and Seafield Quilty during the months of July and August, and during each weekend in September.

Page last reviewed: 22/05/19

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