White Strand, Doonbeg Regains Blue Flag Status

Mountshannon and Ballycuggeran on Lough Derg retained the Blue Flag status they lost in 2006 due to the presence of algal bloom in the lake while Cappa, Kilkee, White Strand (Miltown Malbay), Lahinch and Fanore have also held on to their Blue Flags.

Meanwhile, Clare County Council has expressed its delight that White Strand (Doonbeg) regained its Blue Flag for 2008. Deputy Mayor of Clare, Councillor Brian Meaney, today collected all eight flags at a ceremony in County Louth.

Speaking following today’s awards ceremony, Cllr Tommy Brennan, Chair of Clare County Council’s Environment, Emergency Services and Consumer Protection Strategic Policy Committee said, "I am delighted that Clare has secured eight Blue Flags this year. I especially welcome the fact that White Strand, Doonbeg regained its Blue Flag Status. This loss in 2007 was not because of inadequate bathing water quality but due to necessary access works at the beach, which Clare County Council has since successfully completed."

Cllr. Brennan indicated that the awarding of Blue Flags to eight Clare beaches was achieved through the hard work of local communities and Local Authority staff.

"Again, it is further proof of what the county can achieve when Clare Local Authorities and members of the public work together", he added.

According to Sean Ward, Senior Engineer, Environment & Emergency Services Directorate, "Clare County Council is extremely happy with the eight blue flags achieved, especially the re-awarding of White Strand, Doonbeg, which is a reflection of the positive actions taken by Clare County Council at this beach to improve access."

The Blue Flag award is an exclusive eco-label awarded to more than 3,000 beaches and marinas in 28 countries in the Northern Hemisphere each year. It symbolises high standards in water quality, safety and services as well as environmental management, information and education.

In Ireland, in 2006 the International Jury awarded Blue Flags to 81 beaches and 3 marinas from a total of 88 beach and 4 marina applications.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:
- Cllr. Tommy Brennan and/or Sean Ward are available for interview. To arrange please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353-868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- The International Blue Flag Programme is carried out by the member organisations of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). An Taisce is the national operator for the International Blue Flag Programme in Ireland.
- An Taisce was established in 1948. Although independent from the state government, An Taisce is a prescribed body under the Planning Acts. Local Authorities are obliged to consult An Taisce on a vast array of development proposals, therefore its range of expertise extends across Ireland's natural, built, and social heritage. It seeks to educate, inform, and lead public opinion on the environment; to advocate and influence policy; and manage heritage properties.

Clare County Council's Mission is to pursue excellence through service delivery and inclusive partnership to advance the social, cultural, economic and environmental development of County Clare.

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (mobile)
00353-656839692 (fax)