The work of local volunteers and Louth and Meath County Councils in protecting and cleaning our local beaches has resulted in success in the An Taisce Blue Flag and Green Coast Award’s.
An Taisce announced the International Blue Flag and Green Coast Award recipients for 2022. The awards were presented by Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Heritage and Electoral Reform at a ceremony Curracloe Beach in County Wexford.
Mornington beach was awarded Green Coast Award which recognises beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty making them exceptional places to visit and enjoy our rich coastal heritage and diversity.
An important aspect of the Green Coast Awards is the involvement of Clean Coasts groups of which there are currently over 1800 comprised of tens of thousands of volunteers nationwide. These volunteers participate in community clean-ups and in cooperation with Local Authorities help sensitively manage their local beaches throughout the year.
East Meath Councillor Sharon Tolan told Drogheda Life that she was delighted to attend the An Taisce Blue Flag and Green Coasts Awards on Friday at Curracloe Beach in Co Wexford.
She described it as a great event celebrating all the fantastic work carried out by dedicated individuals and groups that help to keep our beaches and coastlines clean and safe all across Ireland.
“I am delighted to have received the Green Flag Award on behalf of the Beach Management Committee for our stunning Mornington beach.
“I am committed to working with groups and Meath County Council to achieve Green Flags and possibly Blue for more of our beaches in Meath.
“Many thanks to everyone who gets out litter picking either daily, weekly or monthly. Whatever you do to keep our coastline clean and safe, is much appreciated.”
Meanwhile three beaches in County Louth, Clogherhead, Port/Lurganboy and Shelling Hill/Templetown have retained their Blue Flag status for the coming season.
The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised eco-labels. Originating in Frnace in 1985 it was launched as an International programme as part of the “European Year of the Environment in 1987.
2022 is the 35th year that beaches and marinas have been awarded here in Ireland and the 95 beaches and marinas being awarded is the highest annual total to date.
