NI beach quality 'on the up'

Northern Ireland's beach quality is on the up according to the latest UK wide Seaside Awards.

Organised in the province by campaigners Tidy Northern Ireland, the Seaside Awards coveted 11 local beaches with quality stamps of approval.

This year’s record haul of winners includes two new entries, Portrush White Rocks and Cushendun, as well as one re-entry Millisle Lagoon (see full list of award winners).

However, the good news doesn't stop there for local beaches, because the access to our golden sands is the best in the UK, 99% of our seaside buildings are in tip-top shape and there’s no dog excrement on any resort beaches. In the shape of Portrush East Strand (who have upped their score by 15%) Northern Ireland also has the third most improved resort in the UK.

Commenting on the improvement, Tidy Northern Ireland Director Ian Cole, said: "This time last year we were worried that the progress we had made in cleaning-up our coastline had grown stale. Now we read of higher standards and three new beaches making the grade.

"We are delighted for all those working in leisure and tourism, as this fillip will bring in extra revenue and jobs - but that doesn’t mean we’re sitting on our laurels. In fact, we’ll be striving ever harder to ensure that Northern Ireland’s beaches are as big a draw for tourists as they are in the rest of the UK and the Republic.”

Overall, 375 UK beaches today gained Seaside Awards. Aside from Northern Ireland, this year’s big winners are Scotland, with 14 new entries (including Montrose, Britain’s most improved resort). With six more winners than last year, Wales still leads the way with 109 flag-fliers, followed by the South West of England with 83.

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