County Clare’s tourism sector has been buoyed by the news that An Taisce has awarded the prestigious International Blue Flag to eight local beaches.Mr. John Gormley T.D., Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government today presented Blue Flags to Fanore, Lahinch, White Strand (Miltown Malbay), Kilkee, Cappa beach in Kilrush, White Strand (Doonbeg - pictured above), Ballycuggeran and Mountshannon. The Blue Flag award is a prestigious environmental eco-label awarded to more than 80 beaches and a small number of marinas in Ireland each year. The award represents high standards in water quality, environmental information and education, environmental management, and safety, services and facilities.
Mayor of Clare Councillor Madeleine Taylor Quinn said it was encouraging to see the County’s beaches continuing to surpass international standards for quality and cleanliness. Speaking following today’s award ceremony at Dollymount Beach in Dublin, the Mayor said: “The Council recognises the importance of the County’s beaches as places of recreation and enjoyment for locals and visitors alike. Every year the Council invests considerable monies in maintaining and improving facilities at our beaches. In 2009 we have seen the opening of a state-of-the-art lifeguard facility in Lahinch and the deployment of lifeguards at 12 different locations around the county is underway for the summer season”.
Mayor Taylor Quinn pointed out that Clare’s eight Blue Flags were also a tribute to the thousands of people who visit the County’s beaches throughout the year. “Due to the present economic situation many people are deciding to holiday at home, as witnessed in recent days by the huge numbers of visitors to Clare’s beaches. When visiting our beaches I would ask everyone to continue to take responsibility for their litter. Furthermore, I am confident that local communities will continue to work with Clare Local Authorities to ensure that the high environmental standards that have been achieved are maintained” she stated.
According to Councillor Patricia McCarthy, Chairperson of Clare County Council’s Environment Strategic Policy Committee: “The Blue Flag programme works towards sustainable development at beaches and marinas through strict criteria dealing with environmental education and information, water quality, safety and services, and environmental management.” Councillor McCarthy explained that Clare’s eight Blue Flags were testament to the high quality tourism product on offer in the County. “Local beaches and marinas play an important role in the lives of coastal communities and visitors alike, providing opportunities for walking, swimming, water sports and fishing to mention just a few. Therefore, it is incumbent on us all to ensure we keep our beaches clean and litter-free” she commented.
The Blue Flag is recognised around the world and has been awarded to 3,200 beaches and marinas in 37 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Canada and the Caribbean. To gain the eco-label, beaches have to meet 23 imperative and 4 guideline beach criteria. Marinas must meet 19 imperative and 4 guideline marina criteria.
