At an awards ceremony in Dublin today thirteen of Donegal’s beaches were awarded the prestigious Blue Flag award by Phil Hogan T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. The 13 Blue Flags awarded to Donegal places the County at the top of the rankings with the most Blue Flags in the country. The Council is delighted with this outcome considering the difficulties arising from the severe winter 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 highest number of Blue Flags can only assist in promoting Donegal as an excellent destination for visitors.
“The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised eco-labels and only beaches that meet specific criteria relating to water quality, beach management, environmental information and safety services achieve this accolade. 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 six more awards were achieved by Donegal beaches. The Green Coast award acknowledges beaches that have a clean 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 six Green Coast awarded beaches for 2014 are Ballyheirnan (Fanad), Rathmullan, 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 re-double our efforts in 2014 to ensure that these prestigious awards are retained. The Council would also appeal to all beach users to enjoy this wonderful and valuable resource. All visitors to the County’s beaches are asked to minimise their negative impact on the beach environment and always take the 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
Suzanne Bogan, Blue Flag Co-ordinator, Donegal County Council 074 91 76276 [email protected]
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