Thirteen of Donegal’s beaches have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag award by Phil Hogan T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.
A total of 13 beaches were awarded to Donegal which places the county at the top of the rankings with the most Blue Flags in the country. The Council is delighted to have achieved its objective to lead the country.
The 13 Blue Flags were awarded to Bundoran, Rossnowlagh, Murvagh, Fintra, Narin (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,” said Minister Hogan.
The Minister commended the Council staff and the members of the SPC for their Trojan work in maintaining the highest number of blue flags awards in the country.
“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 Cllr. Martin Harley, Chairman of the Water & Environment Strategic Policy Committee.
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 2013 are Ballyheirnan (Fanad), Rathmullan, Drumnatinney (Falcarragh), Magheroarty, Port Arthur and Dooey.
Donegal County Council is disappointed that Lady’s Bay has not retained the Green Coast beach for 2013 as it did not achieve the requisite water quality standard based on the new stringent water quality testing regime which is based on test results averaged over a 4 year period.
Cllr Martin Harley commented 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 213 to ensure that these prestigious awards are retained and the award for Lady’s Bay is restored. 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.”
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