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APPLAUSE rang out today as it was announced that Kerry’s beaches have again maintained their excellent standard with the awarding of 14 Blue Flags for 2016 by An Taisce – The National Trust for Ireland.

The Irish Blue Flag jury made the announcement of the accolades today. The flags are awarded to beaches and marinas which comply with a specific set of criteria relating to water quality, information provision, environmental education and beach management. Beaches must also comply with EU bathing water directives to secure a Blue Flag.

Kerry has gained an additional Blue Flag this year with Fenit Harbour and Marina being included on the list to bring the total number of flags in the county to 14. The county now has two more Blue Flags than in 2013. Last year, Rossbeigh regained its flag following repairs carried out after storm damage the previous year.

Blue Flags have been awarded to Ballybunion North, Ballybunion South, Ballyheigue, Banna, Fenit, Magherabeg, Ventry, Inch, Rossbeigh, Kells, White Strand (Caherciveen), Ballinskelligs and Derrynane. In addition Fenit Harbour and Marina was awarded a Blue Flag for the 2016 season.

A Green Coast Flag has been awarded to Béal Bán Beach in Ballyferriter. Green Coast Flags are awarded where there is promotion and facilitation of coastal clean-up initiatives and where there are improvements in Ireland’s coastal environment.

The cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Pat McCarthy, said: “Blue Flags are an indicator of the quality of our beach environment and it is encouraging that Kerry is continuing to set a high standard, adding one new Blue Flag to the total in Kerry this year.”

The chief executive of Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell, said: “These flags are a result of a collaborative approach between Kerry County Council, local community groups and beach users who work together to maintain our beautiful beaches and bathing waters.
‘Kerry County Council invests tremendous effort in formulating strategies to keep County Kerry at the top of the Blue Flag Programme, and will continue to invest the necessary resources to ensure the sustainable management of the magnificent beaches along the Kerry coast.”

The director of services, John Breen, appealed to all beach users to ensure they leave no litter on the beaches of Kerry or damage the wonderful coastal areas in any way so that we can maintain and improve on our Blue Flag complement.

“As Kerry is the premier tourist county in Ireland, Kerry County Council has a responsibility to ensure that the beaches and infrastructure are presented to holidaymakers in the most attractive manner possible. The same applies to the people of Kerry who avail of the natural amenity that our beaches provide.”