Downings beach will be busy this summer after it retained its Blue Flag status along with 12 other Donegal beaches.
It could be a long, hot summer after Donegal was awarded the most blue flag beaches in the country.
Along with Kerry, we are currently in a tie for the county with the most blue flag beaches in Ireland, with 13 flags apiece.
The details have just been announced by Minister for the Environment Simon Coveney.
And with a sizzling summer promised by many weather forecasters, Donegal will be the place to be.
The 13 beaches to get the blue flag status are: Bundoran, Culdaff, Fintra, Downings, Kilahoey, Marblehill, Lisfannon, Murvagh, Nairn, Magherawarden, Shroove, Rossnowlagh and Carrickfin.
Speaking at the awards Minister Coveney noted that “In Ireland, we are particularly fortunate to have a varied and beautiful coastline with many pristine beaches that are open to the public to enjoy. However, we cannot rest on our laurels and must continue to make strident efforts to protect and improve our waters. This will ensure that we, and future generations, can continue to enjoy this wonderful resource.”
A total of 79 beaches around the country have received the prestigious blue flag.
Mayo is following closely behind Donegal and Kerry with 11 blue flags.
Four beaches failed to retain their blue flag standard in this year’s awards; however, the number of blue flags awarded is only one down from last year, with the blue flag set to be raised at Ballymoney North Beach in Co Wexford for the first time.
The 79 Irish beaches and six marinas that achieved this accolade met a specific set of criteria related to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and beach management.
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