Menu
02/06/2011
Life's A Beach As Blue Flags Flutter
As summer weather again brightens-up Northern Ireland today - with blue skies and temperatures as high as 23C - there was good news and not so good news on local beaches.
The Stormont Environment Minister Alex Attwood has presented awards that recognise the high quality of Northern Ireland beaches and coastal waters.
The Minister presented the prestigious Blue Flag and Seaside Awards today at Benone Strand, Limavady that is itself one of the beaches awarded with a Blue Flag - and while handing out accolades - it was also revealed that one, Cranfield beach in Co Down (pictured) has lost its Blue Flag status.
However, seven other beaches in Northern Ireland have been re-awarded the prestigious accolade that recognises, among other things, superior water quality, safety and cleanliness.
The other beaches re-awarded a Blue Flag apart from Benone are the adjacent Downhill and the Portstewart Strand all of which are in Co Londonderry.
Ballyronan Marina in Co Londonderry has also retained its Blue Flag as has Portrush West, Portrush East and Whiterocks which are in Co Antrim and Tyrella beach in Co Down.
They all qualified but one of Co Down's gems, Cranfield - home to a caravan park and popular with day trippers - failed to re-qualify despite Cranfield West beach being cared for by Newry and Mourne District Council.
As well as eight of Northern Ireland's larger beaches receiving Blue Flags, 10 smaller beaches also received Seaside Awards.
Presenting the awards, the SDLP's Alex Attwood, said: "Today's announcement of the Blue Flag and Seaside Award winners is encouraging news for Northern Ireland's beach users and seaside towns.
"Good water quality and the safety of beaches are key to our economy and tourism and we must strive to achieve high quality standards for the enjoyment of Northern Ireland's entire world famous coastline.
"However, not all of our beaches reach the required standard for water quality and this needs to be addressed," he said, adding that he recently announced a 'Good Beach Summit' within the coming weeks to ensure that all the issues relating to water quality problems can be interrogated with all those involved in beach management and beach use.
"The summit will involve people both inside and outside government," the Minister concluded.
The Blue Flag Award is an international eco-label recognised in 41 countries. It is judged against over 30 criteria one of which is water quality.
(BMcC/GK)
The Stormont Environment Minister Alex Attwood has presented awards that recognise the high quality of Northern Ireland beaches and coastal waters.
The Minister presented the prestigious Blue Flag and Seaside Awards today at Benone Strand, Limavady that is itself one of the beaches awarded with a Blue Flag - and while handing out accolades - it was also revealed that one, Cranfield beach in Co Down (pictured) has lost its Blue Flag status.
However, seven other beaches in Northern Ireland have been re-awarded the prestigious accolade that recognises, among other things, superior water quality, safety and cleanliness.
The other beaches re-awarded a Blue Flag apart from Benone are the adjacent Downhill and the Portstewart Strand all of which are in Co Londonderry.
Ballyronan Marina in Co Londonderry has also retained its Blue Flag as has Portrush West, Portrush East and Whiterocks which are in Co Antrim and Tyrella beach in Co Down.
They all qualified but one of Co Down's gems, Cranfield - home to a caravan park and popular with day trippers - failed to re-qualify despite Cranfield West beach being cared for by Newry and Mourne District Council.
As well as eight of Northern Ireland's larger beaches receiving Blue Flags, 10 smaller beaches also received Seaside Awards.
Presenting the awards, the SDLP's Alex Attwood, said: "Today's announcement of the Blue Flag and Seaside Award winners is encouraging news for Northern Ireland's beach users and seaside towns.
"Good water quality and the safety of beaches are key to our economy and tourism and we must strive to achieve high quality standards for the enjoyment of Northern Ireland's entire world famous coastline.
"However, not all of our beaches reach the required standard for water quality and this needs to be addressed," he said, adding that he recently announced a 'Good Beach Summit' within the coming weeks to ensure that all the issues relating to water quality problems can be interrogated with all those involved in beach management and beach use.
"The summit will involve people both inside and outside government," the Minister concluded.
The Blue Flag Award is an international eco-label recognised in 41 countries. It is judged against over 30 criteria one of which is water quality.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
22 November 2024
Mobile Gaming Trends in Northern Ireland
Mobile gaming has become an integral part of the entertainment landscape in Northern Ireland, encompassing everything from sports betting and online gambling to video games. As technology advances, particularly with the advent of 5G, the mobile gaming sector is poised for significant growth and transformation.
Mobile Gaming Trends in Northern Ireland
Mobile gaming has become an integral part of the entertainment landscape in Northern Ireland, encompassing everything from sports betting and online gambling to video games. As technology advances, particularly with the advent of 5G, the mobile gaming sector is poised for significant growth and transformation.
21 November 2024
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
21 November 2024
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
18 November 2024
Minister Lyons Highlights Northern Ireland's Engineering Heritage
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the engineering heritage of Northern Ireland during a recent visit to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. A particular highlight of the visit was the Ferguson Black Tractor, a groundbreaking piece of machinery that revolutionised agriculture worldwide.
Minister Lyons Highlights Northern Ireland's Engineering Heritage
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the engineering heritage of Northern Ireland during a recent visit to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. A particular highlight of the visit was the Ferguson Black Tractor, a groundbreaking piece of machinery that revolutionised agriculture worldwide.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
