An Taisce - The National Trust for Ireland in cooperation with Kerry County Council held the 2015 International Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards Ceremony on Thursday May 28th at 12.00 on Ballinskelligs Beach, Co. Kerry. The awards were presented by Mr. Alan Kelly TD, Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government.
At the awards ceremony thirteen of Donegal’s beaches were awarded the prestigious Blue Flag award by Mr. Alan Kelly, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. The 13 Blue Flags awarded to Donegal places the County at joint top of the rankings with County Kerry having the most Blue Flags in the country. The Council is delighted with this outcome considering the more stringent qualifying conditions and local difficulties arising from recent storms.
The 13 Blue Flags were awarded to Bundoran, Rossnowlagh, Murvagh, Fintra, Naran (Portnoo), Carrickfinn, Killahoey (Dunfanaghy), Marblehill, Portsalon (Magherawarden), Lisfannon, Shroove, Culdaff and Downings.
"At a time when the Council is actively promoting Donegal as a tourism destination, having the joint highest number of Blue Flags can only assist in promoting Donegal as an excellent destination for visitors.
“The Blue Flag Award is the definitive international beach award recognised in 46 countries as an assurance of beach cleanliness and safety. As a pre-requisite the bathing water at Blue Flag beaches must meet the highest standards of bathing water quality." said Seamus Neely, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council.
In addition to the Blue Flag awards five more awards were achieved by Donegal beaches. The Green Coast award acknowledges beaches that have a clean safe environment, excellent water quality and good beach management. They may not have the built infrastructure required to meet the criteria set out for Blue Flag status however they are exceptional places to visit and enjoy our rich coastal heritage and diversity. Donegal’s five Green Coast awarded beaches for 2015 are Ballyheirnan (Fanad), Drumnatinney (Falcarragh), Magheroarty, Port Arthur and Dooey.
Seamus Neely added that, "Donegal County Council will continue to work closely with local communities in maintaining and retaining the Blue Flag and Green Coast awards for Donegal and will continue our efforts in 2015 to ensure that these prestigious awards are retained. The Council would also appeal to all beach users to be mindful of the safety of family and friends, especially children. All visitors to the County’s beaches are asked to minimise any negative impact on the beach environment and always take their belongings and rubbish home. "
For more information of Donegal's Blue Flag and Green Coast beaches visit
www.govisitdonegal.com
www.blueflagireland.org
www.bathingwater.ie
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