An Taisce has announced the International Blue Flag and Green Coast Award recipients for 2025. The awards were presented by Mr. James Browne TD – Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage at the presentation ceremony held in the Ravenport Resort in Curracloe, County Wexford.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Browne, who presented the award flags said, “Given that the Blue Flag programme is an internationally recognised symbol of high standards in water quality, environmental management, environmental education and safety, I am honoured to present a record number of awards today – 99 Blue Flags and 70 Green Coast Awards.
“We’ve come a long way since the beginning of Ireland’s Blue Flag awards in 1988, when 19 beaches and 2 marinas were recognised.
“This didn’t happen by magic. Great credit must go to local authorities, An Taisce, coastal communities and particularly all those local volunteers who have worked tirelessly around the country to keep so many of our coastal areas, beaches and marinas in pristine condition for us all to enjoy.
“Presenting these awards on a great day in Curracloe and – in the current good weather - anticipating the happy days ahead for so many families on this very beach over the summer, I am particularly proud that the beautiful beaches and marinas from around my own home county of Wexford are amongst those recognised today.”
Ms. Cathy Baxter, Director of Education and Community Action at An Taisce said, “We were delighted to be back in the sunny Southeast once again, to present The Blue Flag and Green Coast Award Flags for the 2025 season. There are an unprecedented number of sites receiving awards this year. We would like to congratulate all the Local Authorities, marina operators and Clean Coasts groups responsible for managing the awarded beaches and marinas to the excellent standards required. I would also like to thank Wexford County Council for hosting us here in Curracloe today.”
Waterford’s coastline fared well as four beaches were awarded the prestigious Blue Flag - Ardmore, Clonea, Tramore beaches and Counsellor’s Strand, Dunmore East. The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised environmental awards. Originating in France in 1985 it was launched as an international programme as part of the "European Year of the Environment in 1987. In 1988, the first-year sites were awarded outside of France 19 beaches and 2 marinas received the Blue Flag in Ireland.
County Waterford also received six green accolades with Newtown Cove, Guillamene Cove, Kilfarrassey, Ballyquin, Curragh and Goat Island Beach all receiving a Green Coast Award, which recognises beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty.
Dawn Wallace, Environment SEO with Waterford City and County Council said, “We are particularly delighted that Tramore Beach regained its Blue Flag status. It was one of three beaches nationally that did not retain its Blue Flag for 2024. So, to not only regain the flag, but to record an ‘excellent’ rating is great news for locals and tourists alike as they flock to the coast this summer.
“Counsellor’s Strand in Dunmore East recorded vastly improved water quality, also securing an ‘excellent’ rating, which is testament to the work of the Council and local environmental groups.”
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy also commended not only the Local Authority’s Environment Department, but also the work of voluntary groups that dedicate themselves to ensuring an unspoilt environment for all to enjoy.
“The work of volunteers from groups such as Clean Coasts, Tidy Towns, and ecological groups, have made huge inroads in assisting in the maintenance and management of our coastline and its amenities.
“These volunteers are passionate about preserving our natural environment, whether it’s through litter picking, wildlife conservation management or developing educational programmes. By enhancing our natural amenities, they are heightening the enjoyment we can all derive from our beaches and coastline.”
