Eleven Mayo beaches awarded coveted Blue Flag status
The beach, which has experienced access issues in recent times, was given a Green Coast award.
Keel Beach, meanwhile, has been awarded a Blue Flag for the 37th consecutive year. Located on the west of Achill Island, Keel has retained its Blue Flag every year season since 1989.
As one of world's most recognised environmental awards, the Blue Flag recognises the sound environmental management of beaches, marinas and eco-tourism boats around the world.
All award recipients must reach specific criteria regarding water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and site management for the duration of the bathing season.
A record number of Blue Flags have been awarded today in the Republic of Ireland this year, with 89 going to beaches and 10 to marinas.
Mayo also achieved nine out of 70 Green Coast awards, which recognise beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty.
These are: Tránaun, Inishturk, Cross in Louisburgh, Carrowniskey Beach, Srah Beach, Termon Beach, Cross on the Erris Peninsula, Rinroe, Golden Strand on Achill Island and Portacloy.
The list of Mayo Blue Flag beaches is as follows: Bertra Beach in Murrisk, Clare Island Beach, Elly Bay in Belmullet, Dooega Beach, Dugort Beach, Keel Beach and Keem beach on Achill Island, Mullaghroe Beach in Belmullet, Mulranny Beach, Old Head Beach in Louisburgh and Ross Beach, Killala.
Jim Horan, Administrative Officer, Environment, Climate Change & Agriculture, at Mayo County Council welcomed the retention of 20 Blue Flag and Green Coast awards. He thanked all the local community groups, stakeholders, and other agencies for their work in 'ensuring that our beaches continue to be maintained to the high standards required to be awarded Blue Flag and Green Coast for the 2025 bathing season'.
'The final total of 20 awards is also the second highest recorded in the country,' he said.
Mr Horan asked all beach users to follow the instructions of the lifeguards, be aware of dog restrictions and to leave nothing behind after visiting the beach.
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