Kerry has been awarded 14 Blue Flags this summer including 12 at beaches around the county, one at Fenit Marina and one at the Portmagee Seasonal Pontoons in south Kerry.

The decision of the International Blue Flag jury was announced on Tuesday and sees the following beaches awarded Blue Flags for 2021: Rossbeigh, Ballybunion South, Ballyheigue, Fenit, Maherabeg, Kells, Derrynane, White Strand, Ballinskelligs, Banna, Ventry and Inch. Fenit Marina also retains its Blue Flag this year while the Portmagee Seasonal Pontoons, run by Kilrush Maritime Ltd, is a recipient also.

Green Coast Awards have been issued for Waterville, Ballinskelligs, Béal Bán, Castlegregory and Littor beaches.

Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Patrick Connor Scarteen welcomed the announcement saying that the awarding of the Blue Flags is a wonderful vote of confidence in the collaborative approach between Kerry County Council, local community groups and beach users who work together to maintain our beautiful beaches and bathing waters.

“This is fantastic recognition of the quality of our beaches and beach environments in Kerry. Kerry County Council invests tremendous effort in keeping County Kerry at the top of the Blue Flag list and will continue to invest the necessary resources to ensure the sustainable management of our magnificent beaches along the Kerry coast,” he said.

The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised eco-labels. The Blue Flag originated in France in 1985 when French coastal Local Authorities were awarded with the Blue Flag for compliance with sewage treatment and bathing water quality criteria.

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 two marinas received the Blue Flag in Ireland. This year Ireland continues to punch above its weight with a record breaking 93 sites awarded, up two on last year’s total.