Three beaches in County Louth – Clogherhead, Port, Lurganboy and Shelling Hill/Templetown, each of them managed by Louth County Council, have retained their Blue Flag status it was announced today and Seapoint Beach at Termonfeckin has once again been awarded a Green coast award.
Today, the International Blue Flag and Green Coast Award recipients for 2021 were announced by the Education Unit of An Taisce.
The Blue Flag and Green Coast Award sites for 2021 were announced by Ian Diamond, Coastal Awards Manager with An Taisce’s Environmental Education unit this morning in a virtual awards ceremony attended by Local Authorities, marina operators and Clean Coasts groups who volunteer at the beaches receiving Green Coast Awards this year.
Blue Flag
The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised eco-labels, it was launched as an International programme as part of the “European Year of the Environment in 1987.
The programme aims to raise environmental awareness and promote sound environmental management of beaches, marinas and inland bathing waters around the world. The 83 Irish beaches and 10 marinas that have achieved this accolade must adhere to specific criteria related to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and site management.
Green Coast Award
The Green Coast Awards recognise beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty. An important aspect of the Green Coast Awards is the involvement of Clean Coasts groups in the management of awarded sites.
Termonfeckin based Labour Councillor Michelle Hall said that was”delighted but not surprised” to hear that Clogherhead and Port Beaches have retained their Blue Flag status yet again and Seapoint Beach retains its Green Coast Award.
“It’s a credit to Louth County Council and all the locals who keep the beaches clean and safe for everyone.
“It’s great to see the good work of the late Cllr Oliver Tully keep going with the Green Flag which he promoted for Termonfeckin and the refurbished car park which adds so much to the area.
“In addition, this year we have a footpath to the beach for safe walking and access for more people.
“I just ask that everyone is aware of the dangers of swimming this summer as more people will be spending it outdoors.
“Clogherhead and Port have lifeguards stationed at the beaches, and it’s important that children and young people are supervised in the water to help prevent any tragedy.”
Clogherhead’s Sinn Féin Councillor Tom Cunningham welcomed the awarding of the prestigious Blue Flags to Port Beach in Clogherhead, known locally as the big strand and the little strand and to Clogherhead Beach.
“There is a lot of hard work goes into earning the Blue Flag” he said, “I would like to especially thank and draw attention to the diligent work of locals who help in litter picking each day and those who take part in regular beach clean ups and do a wonderful job in keeping the beach and facilities clean and to such a high standard.”
“This award is a source of great pride for the community and to have the Blue Flag flying over Port Beach and Clogherhead Beach is a very welcome sight and one we are used to as this is the 16th year in a row it has been awarded to us.”
Clogherhead Beach was also one of only nine beaches in Ireland to be selected for the EU Swim Project which monitors water quality and electronically and digitally notifies potential visitors to the area of the results and services/facilities/events available.”
None of the beaches in County Meath were included in the list of winners.
