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05/06/2003
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)
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)
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Eight beaches in Northern Ireland have been awarded a Blue Flag 'Resort' status for 2006. The Blue Flag, which is awarded to Beaches that pass an EU water quality test, also rewards features such as safety provisions and easy access to sea-side facilities.
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Eight beaches in Northern Ireland have been awarded a Blue Flag 'Resort' status for 2006. The Blue Flag, which is awarded to Beaches that pass an EU water quality test, also rewards features such as safety provisions and easy access to sea-side facilities.
18 January 2013
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41 loyalist and community organisations in east Belfast have put their name to a leaflet calling for the end of street violence in relation to the union flag debate at Belfast City Hall. A leaflet campaign was launched in the area on Thursday and featured a direct appeal to end the violence.
East Belfast Leaders Call To End Violence
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15 January 2013
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24 May 2012
NI Beaches Haul In Blue Flag Awards
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14 April 2006
Concern over axing of blue flag scheme in NI
Ulster Unionist MLA for East Londonderry, Norman Hillis has expressed his disappointment at the news that the prestigious blue flag awards scheme may be axed if relevant funding is not secured. The Environment and Heritage Service provided an annual grant of £177,000 to Tidy NI to help cover the costs of the scheme, up until two years ago.
Concern over axing of blue flag scheme in NI
Ulster Unionist MLA for East Londonderry, Norman Hillis has expressed his disappointment at the news that the prestigious blue flag awards scheme may be axed if relevant funding is not secured. The Environment and Heritage Service provided an annual grant of £177,000 to Tidy NI to help cover the costs of the scheme, up until two years ago.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
