This article is from page 21 of the 2011-06-14 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 21 JPG
CLARE’S flagship beaches were given a clean bill of health last week with the announcement that all of the Blue Flags won by the county in 2010 would be retained in 2011.
The prestigious flags will be flying high in Fanore, Lahinch, White Strand (Miltown Malbay), Kilkee, Cappa beach in Kilrush, White Strand (Doonbeg), Ballycuggeran and Mountshannon this weekend.
The flags are awarded each year after a series of water quality and environmental tests carried out by An Taisce and Clare County Council.
This means that Clare has the fifth highest number of blue flag beaches in the county behind Kerry with 13, Donegal with 12, Mayo with 11 and Cork which won 10 Blue Flags.
“Local beaches and marinas play an important part in the lives of coastal communities and visitors alike, providing opportunities for walking, swimming, water sports and fishing to mention just a few,” said Cllr Joe Arkins (FG), Chairperson of the Strategic Policy Com- mittee for Environmental and Water Services.
“The responsibility is on all of us to keep our beaches litter-free.”
The importance of the Blue Flags in tourism generation is believed to be on the increase as a result of the increased number of Irish people choosing to holiday at home. According to the Mayor of Clare Christy Curtin (IND), the flags are key to the county’s overall tourism product.
“I am delighted that Clare again retained eight blue flags for 2011 and acknowledged the positive contribution that our eight blue flag beaches will make to tourism in the county,” he said. “The Blue Flag flying at any of these beaches indicates that you and your family can expect to find clean and safe environments when visiting these bathing areas.
“As Mayor of Clare, I am very encouraged by the continued assistance given to Clare County Council by local communities across the County to ensure that the high environmental standards are achieved and maintained at our beaches.”