Donegal now has the most Blue Flag beaches in the country after An Taisce announced their Blue Flag and Green Coasts awards today.
The county now boasts a total of twelve beaches and two marinas with Blue Flag status for 2020.
The Donegal beaches are: Fintra, Downings, Bundoran, Murvagh, Rossnowlagh, Portnoo/Narin, Carrickfinn, Killahoey, Marblehill, Stroove, Portsalon, Culdaff while the marinas are Greencastle Marina and Rathmullan Marina.
The overall programme aims to raise environmental awareness and promote sound environmental management of beaches, marinas and inland bathing waters around the world.
A total of 80 beaches and 10 marinas countrywide have achieved this accolade.
They must observe specific criteria related to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and site management.
Some other areas in Donegal which received the Green coast award include Dooey, Magheroarty, Drumatinney and Ballyheirnan.
Ian Diamond, Coastal Awards Manager with An Taisce’s Environmental Education unit said also warned about
“Visits to the beach this summer will not be the same, while we go to the beach to relax and unwind we still have to be mindful of the need to social distance and bringing hand sanitizer in addition to sunscreen with us will take some getting use to.
“We must also bear in mind the additional pressure being put on local authorities to manage our beaches in the most difficult of circumstances. With unprecedented numbers forced to stay at home for the past few months from work and school, we must be cognisant of the challenges facing those managing our beaches.
“In the same manner, as we have all worked together against Covid-19 we must all exercise personal responsibility to enjoy our beaches in a safe and sustainable way.
“I am delighted to announce today the recipients of 90 Blue Flags and 60 Green Coast Awards for 2020. I would like to congratulate the Local Authorities, community groups and marina managers on their success in achieving Blue Flag or Green Coast Award status. I would also like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable summer”.
