The results of An Taisce’s International Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards for 2024 were announced yesterday and, for the first time since 1996, Bettystown Beach has been awarded a Blue Flag.
The awards were presented by Hildegarde Naughton TD – Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Department of Education at a ceremony held in the Galway Bay Hotel overlooking Salthill Blue Flag beach.
The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised environmental awards. Originating in France in 1985 it was launched as an International programme as part of the “European Year of the Environment in 1987.
An Taisce – The National Trust for Ireland is responsible for the operation of the Blue Flag programme in Ireland on behalf of the Foundation of Environmental Education (FEE). 48 Countries operate the Blue Flag programme globally and more than 5000 beaches, marinas and tourism boats will be awarded the Blue Flag this year. The Blue Flag programme in Ireland is supported by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The programme aims to raise environmental awareness and promote sound environmental management of beaches, marinas and eco-tourism boats around the world. The 85 Irish beaches and 9 marinas that have achieved this accolade must adhere to specific criteria related to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and site management for the duration of the bathing season.
Tolan thanks Bettystown Tidy Towns
Local Fine Gael Councillor and long-time environment and beach enthusiast, Sharon Tolan travelled to Salthill in Galway to receive the Award on behalf of Meath County Council, along with Larry Whelan of the LA’s Environment Department.
“I am so delighted with this news!” she said. “Achieving a Blue Flag for Bettystown has been an ambition of mine for many years now, at times many would have said it was only a dream and never going to be possible.
“I am very proud of the part I played over the last ten years in order to achieve this. I want to thank the amazing Bettystown Tidy Towns for their work, we would quite simply not have gotten to this day without them. Their work and dedication to enhancing and protecting the beach, education and awareness, delivering projects like the Burrows Boardwalk and marram grass planting have all been instrumental in securing the Blue Flag this year.
“I am of course also very grateful to Meath County Council Executive and Staff for collaborating with me and local groups, listening and working so hard to achieve all of the complex criteria that is required for Blue Flag status.
“I am delighted we have secured our Green Flag for Mornington again this year, and I am committed to seeing Flags awarded to Laytown and Gormanston into the future. We truly have a very special coastline that is deserving of these awards” said Tolan.
