Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan
THEY were singing the blues on Inch Beach today as Kerry County Council raised one of the county’s haul of 14 Blue Flags for the 2017 season.
Kerry beaches have again maintained their excellent standard this year and the flag status adjudicators, An Taisce – The National Trust, were very impressed by what the county had to offer.
Blue Flags are awarded to beaches and marinas which comply with a very specific set of criteria relating to water quality, information provision, environmental education and beach management. Beaches must also comply with EU bathing water directives to secure the honour.
The Kerry beaches to retain their flags were Rossbeigh, Ballybunion North, Ballybunion South, Ballyheigue, Fenit, Maherbeg, Kells, Derrynane, White Strand, Ballinskelligs, Banna, Ventry and Inch.
Fenit Marina also retains it Blue Flag this year while Green Coast awards have also been announced for Beal Bán, Castlegregory, Littor, Waterville and Ballinskelligs.
Today’s service was attended by Mayor of Kerry, Cllr Michael D O’Shea, Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell, Director of Services for Environment, John Breen and local councillors.
“Blue Flags are an important indicator of the quality of our beach environment and it is encouraging that Kerry is continuing to set a very high standard in this regard,” said Mayor O’Shea.
“These flags are a result of a collaborative approach between Kerry County Council, local community groups and beach users who work together to maintain our beautiful beaches and bathing waters,” he added.
Director of Services, John Breen said the council invests tremendous effort in keeping Kerry at the top of the Blue Flag league and will continue to invest the necessary resources to ensure the sustainable management of the magnificent beaches along the Kerry coast.
“As we enter yet another busy season at our beaches, Kerry County Council appeals to all beach users to ensure they leave no litter on the beaches of Kerry and to avoid any damage to our wonderful coastal areas so that the county can maintain and improve on its Blue Flag complement,” Mr Breen said.
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