Seven Irish Marinas were awarded Blue Flags yesterday at the annual awards scheme hosted by Royal Cork Yacht Club in Cork Harbour. Royal Cork's own marina was one of the seven facilities to receive an award. Greencastle Marina in County Donegal raises the flag for the first time this year.
The Blue Flag programme promotes sustainable development in freshwater and marine areas and challenges local authorities and beach operators to achieve high standards in water quality, environmental management, environmental education and safety.
The Blue Flag has been operating in Ireland since 1987, in 1988 the first year flags were awarded here two marinas received the award.
Kinsale Yacht Club's 2017 Blue Flag: Matthias Hellstern, KYC Rear Commodore, Brian Hunt (KYC General Manager) and Ian Diamond of An Taisce Photo: Bob Bateman
In Cork, The first of the current Blue Flag marinas to achieve Blue Flag status again is Kinsale Yacht Club.
The county with the most Blue Flags is Kerry: with 13 beaches and one marina at Fenit but Wexford is the county with the most blue flag marinas with Kilmore Quay and New Ross Marina both retaining their status.
Quigley's Marina in County Westmeath at Killinure Point on the River Shannon retained it's Blue Flag status for the coming season.
