A bolt out of the blue for beaches Format

Flag symbol a mark of quality in seaside awards

- SHAUNA CORR 

FOUR Irish beaches that flew a Blue Flag last year have been stripped of the prestigious status for 2023 while three new ones clinched the accolade, say An Taisce. 

Blue Flags are an internationally recognised symbol used to spotlight pristine beaches and marinas for water quality, environmental management, education and safety.

They have been doled out in Ireland since 1988, when 19 awards were given.

This year, 84 State beaches and 10 marinas will be able to fly them with Kerry home to the lion’s share with 15 Blue Flags.

The beaches that had blue flags in 2022 and lost them this year are Cappagh Pier, Kilrush in Co Clare; Garretstown in Co Cork; Counsellors’ Strand (Dunmore East) and Dunmore Strand (Dunmore East) both in Co Waterford.

But there was also good news for Mayo as all three of this year’s new additions came from the county.