Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr John Paul O’Shea, today presented a number of awards recognising the Blue Flag and Green Coast recipients of Cork County. The Mayor was joined by Elected Members of Cork County Council, Council Officials, representatives of the emergency services (RNLI and Coast Guard) together with a number of representatives of local community groups.
The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognisable eco – labels, flying at beaches from Canada to New Zealand. The Blue Flag confirms waters adhere to 33 stringent requirements and are identified as bathing areas. Flags are awarded to areas with excellent facilities for visitors and for compliance with strict criteria in relation to water quality and safety, while the National Green Coast award is given to areas of natural beauty and are considered ‘exceptional places to visit’. The Green Coast Award is a symbol of excellence with a strong emphasis on community and environmental activities. These awards are not easily achieved and represent to the public, locations which have been rigorously assessed.
Cork County Council, in association with An Taisce, was awarded a total of 5 Blue Flags and 10 Green Coast Awards at the National Presentation on May 26th. Cork County Blue Flags are Barleycove, Tragumna, Ownahincha, Garrylucas, and Inchydoney. 10 Green Coast Awards were retained in Ardnahinch/Shanagarry, Ballyrisode, Sheepshead, Galleycove, Garnish, Inch, Inchydoney, Oysterhaven, Red Strand and Ring.
The beautiful Inchadoney beach which maintained its Blue Flag status for the coming year.
Speaking at the presentation, Mayor O’Shea praised the efforts of all in meeting the standards of excellence required for a Blue Flag or Green Coast Award, ‘I would like to congratulate everyone involved in achieving these wonderful accolades for our County beaches. The Blue Flag and Green Coast are awards to be cherished. They recognise the real endeavour of Cork County Council to work toward the highest standards in beach management together with the commitment of our communities to promote the high standards and incredible pride we take in our waterways, both for ourselves and for our visitors.’
