Latest news with #BlueFlag
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
DA takes eThekwini municipality to court over sewage crisis
The DA is taking eThekwini municipality to court over years of sewage spills, failed service delivery and crumbling coastal infrastructure. The case will be heard in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Thursday and Friday, July 25 and 26, with a public protest planned outside the courthouse. A years-long sewage crisis has plagued communities, damaging tourism, the environment and public health. The DA, which is fully funding the civil suit, is urging residents to join the protest and demand accountability for environmental degradation and the collapse of public amenities. Provincial leader Francois Rodgers MPL, provincial chairperson Dean Macpherson MP, and DA eThekwini caucus leader councillor Thabani Mthethwa will lead the demonstration. 'This case centres on the inability of the ANC-IFP-EFF-run municipality to implement a turnaround plan to fix infrastructure issues and comply with environmental directives from both national and provincial government,' said Macpherson. 'We will hold the failed ANC-IFP-EFF-run eThekwini municipality accountable for the terrible state of service delivery in the city.' Communities such as Umdloti, Tongaat, La Mercy, Mount Moreland, and Westbrook have endured years of sewage spills and infrastructure neglect. Umdloti and Westbrook have suffered the worst effects, with unsafe beaches impacting tourism, the environment and public health. DA Ward 58 councillor Geoff Pullen highlighted the environmental and economic toll. 'We have a sewerage crisis in eThekwini,' Pullen told the Courier. 'We have lost all our Blue Flag beaches due to E. coli contamination from poorly maintained sewer works.' In 2020/21, 12 eThekwini beaches, including Westbrook Beach, Umdloti Tidal Pool and Umdloti Main Beach, held Blue Flag status. Today, none remain. Pullen emphasised the blow to tourism caused by pollution. READ MORE: Sewage spill nightmare in Tongaat | North Coast Courier 'Just think how many tourism jobs we are losing because our sea is polluted. The DA is keen to get our sewerage works functioning properly,' he said. The office of eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba could not be reached for comment. However, in a July 8 blog post on the eThekwini Municipality's website titled Enhancing Service Delivery Remains a Goal, Xaba acknowledged the issue. 'We are also responsible for reticulating sewage without spillage and for treating and discharging sewage at an acceptable quality,' wrote the mayor. READ MORE: Sewage spill in Umdloti blamed on sand infiltration and budget constraints | North Coast Courier Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Climate
- Irish Independent
Two Dublin beaches hit with ‘do not swim' notices due to high levels of bacteria
On July 23, Fingal County Council raised a red flag for both Front Strand in Balbriggan and Claremont Beach in Howth, saying the incident is expected to last for the next seven days. The restrictions were introduced on the advice of the HSE after the results of routine bathing water samples at both beaches showed elevated levels of bacteria. 'The likely cause is water quality deterioration due to heavy rainfall,' a press release from Fingal County Council said. The Blue Flag at both beaches will be removed until the water quality improves through testing, in accordance with An Taisce's Blue Flag programme. Claremont Beach and Front Strand Beach will remain open, but beach users are asked to respect the do not swim notice as it has been put in place to ensure the health of bathers is not compromised. Members of the public can check for water quality at any of the monitored bathing waters in Ireland in advance by accessing the EPA website at or by checking the notice board at the entrance to each beach.
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- The Irish Sun
The underrated blue-flag Irish beach near seaside town with golden sands, incredible views, rock pools and windsurfing
TAKE a look at the underrated Irish beach near a seaside town with stretches of golden sand, incredible views, rock pools and windsurfing. The stunning spot, Clogherhead Beach in 4 Clogherhead is a vibrant seaside town that's home to a stunning beach Credit: Alamy 4 It features soft golden sands that stretches for miles Credit: Google Earth 4 It's also a hugely popular hiking spot Credit: Alamy Located right outside the fishing village of Clogherhead in Co Louth, this spectacular stretch of coastline is known as one of the most scenic beaches on Ireland's east coast. The underrated spot stretches across a wide bay along the Irish Sea and offers a peaceful retreat for those coming from Dublin or Drogheda town. Known for its soft golden sands and crystal-clear waters, the And it even received the acclaimed Blue Flag award back in 2020. READ MORE IN TRAVEL Visitors to Clogherhead Beach are greeted by breathtaking views of rugged headlands, stunning rock pools and grassy dunes that add to its natural beauty. Nestled between the rocky Clogherhead cliffs and the Irish sea, the beach's sheltered location creates a calm and inviting atmosphere that's ideal for The beach is located just an hour's drive from Dublin and offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Clogherhead has also become a hot-spot for Most read in Beach The surrounding headland is perfect for exploring. It boasts walking trails leading up to the historic Clogherhead cliffs that offer sweeping panoramic views of the coastline. 'We should've known better', says stranded beachgoers as hundreds of Irish flock to overcrowded beach as temps hit 30.8C Visitors can enjoy scenic cliff walks, take part in various water activities or simply relax on the beach. This fantastic spot is also ideal for swimmers thanks to its clear, shallow waters and lifeguards who patrol the area during the summer season. Clogherhead Beach is rich in biodiversity and is home to a wide variety of What's more, seals can often be spotted in the waters and nearby rocks during the summer. The area is well-equipped with facilities for visitors, including public toilets, parking areas, and lots of nearby food spots for a post-swim treat. FAB SEASIDE TOWN The town of Clogherhead is also a popular summer spot for tourists - especially those looking for a fantastic staycation. This charming fishing town offers a friendly atmosphere, a harbour and some of the best There are often local events held here, including live music nights and seafood festivals that take place throughout the summer. Tourists from across Ireland and beyond have shared their experiences of this hidden gem on One visitor wrote: 'Clogherhead beach boasts stunning views, miles of sand, and a water adventure centre." Another added: 'Turn left and walk around the headland and end up at clogherhead pier, where yet another coffee shop and the best fish and chip vans in the county is situated." Don't miss out on your chance to visit Clogherhead Beach this summer. 4 Clogherhead town is another must-visit when stopping by the beach Credit: Google Earth
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Chennai's Marina Beach in the ‘Blue Flag' certification race: Why the beach should be on every traveller's bucket list in 2025
Chennai's one of the most iconic beaches, the Marina Beach is undergoing a major renovation with Blue Flag certification on the horizon. For those who don't know, the Blue Flag certification is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education in Denmark, is among the world's most prestigious eco-labels for beaches. It is a prestigious title and earning this means that the beach meets strict international standards in cleanliness, safety, environmental management, and accessibility. These are the prime criteria on which the beaches are awarded the certificate. For years, Marina Beach has been an important part of Chennai's identity. It is a place where locals walk at dawn, families gather for evening snacks, and fishermen return with the day's catch. Must-visit in 2025 It's a must-visit attraction in 2025 because all the other famous beaches in India are no more crowd free. But Marina Beach, a 50-acre stretch by the sea, is beautiful beyond words. With dedicated zones for yoga, open-air gyms, reading corners, meditation spaces, and play areas, the beach is more than just sand and surf. Travellers visiting here can climb new watchtowers installed along the shoreline. And in a big win for inclusive travel, special facilities like HDPE pathways and balloon-wheelchairs are being introduced to ensure accessibility for all. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Beach dreamer's dream Today's global travellers look for destinations that are not only beautiful but are eco-friendly as well. At Marina, visitors will find solar lighting, bamboo dustbins, clean public toilets, and better waste management practices — all aligned with the Blue Flag vision. What makes Marina Beach different is the cultural beauty it offers. Just steps away are colonial-era buildings like the University of Madras, the historic lighthouse, and the Vivekananda House. You can begin your morning with sunrise yoga, snack on fresh local delicacies like sundal and murukku by afternoon, and cap off the day with a horse ride along the shore or a stroll past street performers and artisans. Best time to visit: November to March. How to reach : Marina is easily accessible via Chennai's MRTS and upcoming Metro corridors. If you're flying in, it's just 45 minutes from Chennai International Airport. Marina Beach in 2025 will have something to offer. With its new eco-conscious design, improved infrastructure, and a deep respect for both nature and heritage, this Chennai icon is ready to welcome the world.
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Climate
- Irish Independent
Bathing ban lifted at Louth beach following water quality clearance
Drogheda Independent The temporary bathing prohibition at Clogherhead Beach has been lifted, Louth County Council has confirmed. The decision comes after resampling conducted on Wednesday, 16th July, showed that the bathing water at the popular seaside destination met the necessary health and safety standards. Laboratory analysis confirmed that the water is now of good quality, allowing for the safe return of swimmers and beachgoers just in time for the weekend. The temporary ban had been imposed earlier this week as a precautionary measure due to concerns over potential contamination. The exact cause of the earlier water quality issue has not been disclosed, but such prohibitions are typically linked to heavy rainfall, run-off, or short-term environmental factors. In a statement, Louth County Council thanked the public for its patience and cooperation, adding that the health and safety of beach users remains a top priority. Clogherhead Beach is one of the most visited coastal spots in the region, known for its scenic views, fishing harbour, and Blue Flag status in previous years.
