Presenting the Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards at a ceremony at Portmarmock, Co. Dublin, the Minister was delighted with the highest ever number of Blue Flags being awarded this year, since the programmes was introduced in Ireland in 1988.
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"The Blue Flag is a clear signal of quality and is something to be cherished. I am delighted to announce that we will be awarding a record breaking total of 87 Blue Flags, to beaches that have achieved excellent water quality and a very high standard across a wide range of other criteria, including environmental education, management of the environment, safety and other services," the Minister said.
The Minister went on to say that 'The Blue Flag' programme has been operating in Ireland since 1988 and in the intervening period has become a highly respected, internationally recognised eco-label of huge significance to the local communities and the tourism sector alike.
Minister Hogan was pleased that Dollymount regained its flag. According to the Minister, ‘a capital city holding a blue flag is a truly significant achievement, and the stakeholders are to be commended for their sterling efforts’. The Minister was particularly happy that New Ross Marina secured its maiden flag. The location is contiguous with the Minister’s inland constituency and he hoped it was the first of many for the historic Wexford town.
(CD/GK)
