One of Donegal’s best-known beaches has failed to hold onto its Blue Flag status for 2019, while another local marina has gained the award for the first time.
Bundoran Beach was unsuccessful in achieving the excellence award this year due to water quality.
The beach facing Donegal Bay, which is popular with surfers and holidaymakers, was found to have ‘Good’ water quality for 2018 based on bacteriological tests. Beaches that qualify for Blue Flags must have ‘Excellent’ standards.
Bertra Strand and Golden Strand in Co Mayo also lost Blue Flags in 2019.
Meanwhile, Rathmullan Marina in Co Donegal has earned its first Blue Flag this year.
Rathmullan Marina
The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised eco-labels and has operated in Ireland for over 30 years. The 80 Irish beaches and 8 marinas that have achieved this accolade in 2019 must adhere to specific criteria related to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and site management.
Donegal’s Blue Flag beaches for 2019 are:
Carrickfinn, Culdaff, Downings, Fintra, Killahoey, Magherawarden (Portsalon) , Marble Hill, Murvagh, Portnoo/Narin, Rossnowlagh and Stroove.
The Blue Flag Marinas are: Greencastle and Rathmullan
Sixty two Irish beaches were awarded Green Coast Awards today for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty.
The Donegal Green Coast Beaches for 2019 are: Magheroarty, Drumnatinney, Dooey and Ballyheirnan
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