Three NI beaches stripped of blue flag award

Three of Northern Ireland's top beaches have been stripped of their blue flag status.

Portrush East Strand, Portstewart Strand and Millisle Lagoon were all stripped of their award by the charity Environmental Campaigns (ENCAMS) which aims to meet stringent European beach standards.

Environment Minister Angela Smith described the news as disappointing and said that work was needed "to ensure that all of Northern Ireland’s coastal discharges meet the European requirements".

East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell called for renewed efforts to regain the positions following the news.

He said: "For some time now DRD Water Service have been indicating to local people that they felt secondary treatment of water was sufficient to be incorporated into a major new water treatment plant which is to be put in place on the North Coast.

"This announcement will hopefully add to the need for a better treatment process which would ensure an even higher degree of cleanliness in the sea around the North Coast."

However, there was some good news for Northern Ireland's beaches with Ballycastle, Benone Strand, Cranfield West, Portrush West Strand and Tyrella all gaining blue flags.

Mr Campbell added: "The five beaches that have been awarded the blue flag include Portstewart West Strand and Benone Strand so it is not all bad news [for the north west] but the objective has to be the inclusion of all local beaches in the highest accolade award in order that tourists, day visitors and local people have the assurance they are in a region which has the best standards in cleanliness of water and safety for all."

All award winners are permitted to fly a blue flag during the bathing season and must display their winning criteria on easy to read signs at the beach.

(MB)