It’s hoped beaches right across County Clare will retain their blue flag status today.
Details of the awards are being unveiled by the Environment Minister in Dublin later this morning which are giving to bathing areas worldwide which meet strict water sanitary and safety facilities.
A total of eight beaches and bathing areas in Clare currently hold Blue Flag Status, in the West of the county’s there Cappa in Kilrush, Kilkee, Doonbeg, to the North and the White Strand in Miltown Malbay, Lahinch, and Fanore in Ballyvaughan, while East Clare Ballycuggeran in Killaloe and Mountshannon…two freshwater bathing areas on Lough Derg also have Blue Flags.
In 2007 Doonbeg lost its flag due to safety issues related to coastal erosion of the cliff and access to the beach were of concern, however it regained the award last year and it’s hoped it will retain the status for the coming season.
Blue Flags represent excellence where beaches have achieved excellent water quality and a very high standard across a wide range of other criteria, including environmental education, management of the environment, safety and other services.
The award is in place in 36 countries around the world and Ireland currently holds 80 blue flags, down three from last year
The Mayor of Clare along with representatives from Clare County Council who manage the bathing areas will be present to accept the flags for the county today.