Ireland

Popular Co Donegal beach loses Blue Flag status

drop in standards: Lisfannon beach in Co Donegal has lost its Blue Flag status
drop in standards: Lisfannon beach in Co Donegal has lost its Blue Flag status drop in standards: Lisfannon beach in Co Donegal has lost its Blue Flag status

A POPULAR Co Donegal beach is among three in the Republic who have lost their coveted Blue Flag status.

Lisfannon in Co Donegal, Killiney in south Dublin and Balcarrick, at Donabate in north Dublin, all saw a drop in standards.

But the Republic still managed to hit a new record high for the quality and cleanliness of coastal waters.

A total of 88 Blue Flags are to be raised at 81 beaches and seven marinas this summer.

An Taisce said it awarded three more than the 2016 season with Portumna in Co Galway and Greencastle Marina in Co Donegal hoisting the international hallmark for the first time.

Elsewhere, the South Promenade in Bray, Co Wicklow, will fly the Blue Flag for the first time since 2000 after improvements in sewage treatment in recent years.

Ross beach, near Killala in Co Mayo, regained Blue Flag status lost in 2016 as did the south coast surf spots of Redbarn and Garretstown in Co Cork.

Co Kerry came out on top of the awards with 13 beaches and one marina getting to fly the flag this year.

The Blue Flag is awarded to more than 4,000 beaches and marinas in 49 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada and the Caribbean.