An Taisce today awarded the prestigious International Blue Flag to eight of County Clare’s beaches.
Blue Flags were awarded to the following beaches in Co. Clare: Fanore, Lahinch, White Strand (near Miltown Malbay), Kilkee, Cappa beach in Kilrush, White Strand (near Doonbeg), Ballycuggeran and Mountshannon.
The flags were presented by Phil Hogan, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government at Curracloe Beach in Co. Wexford.
The Blue Flag award is a highly respected and recognized eco-label working to bring together the tourism and environmental sectors at local, regional and national levels. The award challenges local authorities and beach operators to achieve high standards in the four main categories of water quality, environmental management, environmental education and safety. In order to achieve blue flag status, beaches are judged against a total of 32 criteria.
The Blue Flag is awarded on an annual basis. An Taisce carry out inspections during the bathing season to establish a level of compliance with all the Blue Flag Criteria.
Speaking following today’s award’s ceremony, Mayor of Clare Councillor Christy Curtin commented: “I am delighted that Clare again retained eight blue flags for 2011 and acknowledged the positive contribution that our eight blue flag beaches will make to tourism in the county. The Blue Flag flying at any of these beaches indicates that you and your family can expect to find clean and safe environments when visiting these bathing areas.”
“As Mayor of Clare, I am very encouraged by the continued assistance given to Clare County Council by local communities across the County to ensure that the high environmental standards are achieved and maintained at our beaches”, added Cllr. Curtin.
Councillor Joe Arkins, Chairperson of the Strategic Policy Committee for Environmental and Water Services stated: Local beaches and marinas play an important part in the lives of coastal communities and visitors alike, providing opportunities for walking, swimming, water sports and fishing to mention just a few. He urged local communities and tourists to play their part in ensuring that everybody takes responsibility in taking home their litter when visiting our beaches. The responsibility is on all of us to keep our beaches litter-free”.
Blue Flags were awarded to the following beaches in Co. Clare: Fanore, Lahinch, White Strand (near Miltown Malbay), Kilkee, Cappa beach in Kilrush, White Strand (near Doonbeg), Ballycuggeran and Mountshannon.
The flags were presented by Phil Hogan, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government at Curracloe Beach in Co. Wexford.
The Blue Flag award is a highly respected and recognized eco-label working to bring together the tourism and environmental sectors at local, regional and national levels. The award challenges local authorities and beach operators to achieve high standards in the four main categories of water quality, environmental management, environmental education and safety. In order to achieve blue flag status, beaches are judged against a total of 32 criteria.
The Blue Flag is awarded on an annual basis. An Taisce carry out inspections during the bathing season to establish a level of compliance with all the Blue Flag Criteria.
Speaking following today’s award’s ceremony, Mayor of Clare Councillor Christy Curtin commented: “I am delighted that Clare again retained eight blue flags for 2011 and acknowledged the positive contribution that our eight blue flag beaches will make to tourism in the county. The Blue Flag flying at any of these beaches indicates that you and your family can expect to find clean and safe environments when visiting these bathing areas.”
“As Mayor of Clare, I am very encouraged by the continued assistance given to Clare County Council by local communities across the County to ensure that the high environmental standards are achieved and maintained at our beaches”, added Cllr. Curtin.
Councillor Joe Arkins, Chairperson of the Strategic Policy Committee for Environmental and Water Services stated: Local beaches and marinas play an important part in the lives of coastal communities and visitors alike, providing opportunities for walking, swimming, water sports and fishing to mention just a few. He urged local communities and tourists to play their part in ensuring that everybody takes responsibility in taking home their litter when visiting our beaches. The responsibility is on all of us to keep our beaches litter-free”.
