FLAG WAVING

95 blue awards given to Ireland's cleanest & most beautiful beaches

- SHAUNA CORR

A RECORD of 95 blue flags and 62 green coast awards have been given out in Ireland this year.

The internationally recognised gong lauds high water quality, environmental management, education, and safety at the spots boasting a blue flag.

Some 19 Irish beaches and two marinas won the global accolade in 1988 after its global launch the previous year and this has grown steadily.

Among the beaches recognised by An Taisce included Fountainstown and Youghal Front Strand in Co Cork, Tra Inis Oirr (Main Beach) Co Galway, Balcarrick and Donabate, and Rush. South Beach, Fingal, Ballybunnion North Beach, Kerry, and Ballymoney North Beach, Co Wexford, are also on the list.

The 2022 Blue Flag and Green Coast awards were presented by Heritage Minister Malcolm Noonan yesterday in at Curracloe Beach in Co Wexford.