West Cork beaches get their blue flag status

Guests and recipients at the Blue Flag awards ceremony in the Trident Hotel, Kinsale last week.(Photo: Martin Walsh)

JUST in time for the summer season in West Cork, Blue Flags have been awarded to Garrylucas (Ballinspittle), Inchydoney (Clonakility), Owenahincha (Rosscarbery), Tragumna (Skibbereen), Kinsale Yacht Club and Barleycove.

Of the seven Blue Flags awarded, Cork retained Blue Flags for five beaches and regained the Blue Flag for Garrettstown near Ballinspittle and Redbarn (Youghal).

Inchydoney East was awarded the Green Coast award for the first time.

The Blue Flag award is a prestigious environmental eco-label awarded to more than 80 beaches and a small number of marinas in Ireland.

The award represents high standards in water quality, environmental information and education, environmental management and safety, services and facilities.

Local Labour TD Michael McCarthy expressed his delighted that at the news saying the Blue Flag award is a highly respected and recognised eco-label working to bring together the tourism and environmental sectors at local, regional and national levels.

‘Cork’s very strong performance in the scheme reflects the number of quality beaches that are available to people living in Cork and tourists visiting the county,’ he said.

‘West Cork in particular has a long history of excellent quality beaches and bathing water. This is a testament to the high quality environment that we enjoy here. With this comes responsibility, so it is incumbent on us all to ensure we keep our beaches clean and litter-free,’ he added.