Blue Flags flying high on the Waterford Coastline
Waterford’s coastline was recently recognised by An Taisce as four beaches were awarded the prestigious Blue Flag and six the Green Coast Award Flags. Ardmore, Clonea, Tramore and Counsellor’s Strand in Dunmore East all received the Blue Flag, while Newtown Cove, Guillamene Cove, Kilfarrassey, Ballyquin, Curragh and Goat Island Beach received the Green Coast Flag.
The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised awards for beaches and marinas. The programme promotes environmental education, sustainable development of tourism, environmental management systems and ensure safety and access for beach users. In Ireland the programme is operated by An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland on behalf of the Foundation of Environmental Education (FEE).
The Green Coast Flag recognises beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty. Applicant sites for this award must not only have excellent water quality, natural, unspoilt environment but also be managed in partnership with the local community. The Blue Flag was hoisted by Deputy Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Adam Wyse who reflected on the high standards of Waterford’s beaches, “We are blessed in Waterford to have over 100km of splendid coastline that is there for everyone to enjoy.
“Our beaches are wonderful places to go for fun, exercise, adventure, time together with family and friends or as places to unwind, relax and get away from all the noise. “It’s great that Waterford had such positive outcome this year, receiving four Blue Flags and six Green Flags, and for that I commend the Environment team at Waterford City and County Council and the legion of volunteers who dedicate themselves to ensuring our beaches remain a haven for all, week in, week out.”
Dawn Wallace, Environment SEO with Waterford City and County Council said, “These Blue and Green Flag awards are a great endorsement of our coastline and it’s particularly satisfying that Tramore and Counsellor’s Strand have regained Blue Flag status this year. Not only did they meet a series of stringent environmental and safety related criteria, but they also returned excellent bathing water results.
“I echo the Deputy Mayor’s sentiments that it is a collective collaboration between the Local Authority and voluntary and environmental groups who strive to make our beaches best-in-class. “However, everyone has a role to play; whether it's disposing of litter responsibly or following guidance at designated bathing areas. Our beaches, lakes, and coastal environments are both treasured public amenities and environmentally sensitive sites and protecting them requires a shared commitment from all who live in Waterford and all who visit our beaches.”
