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01/06/2006
Eight NI beaches awarded Blue Flag status
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.
Most of the beaches awarded the flag last year, were given the flag for another consecutive year, with the exception of the East Strand beach at Portrush. However, Ballycastle strand was awarded the honour, keeping the overall figure at eight.
A spokesperson for the Blue Flag Awards, today said that the awards were internationally recognised and that the eight beaches given the flag had stunning stretches of sand, on a par with those across Europe, the Caribbean and South Africa.
In May, eight of the provinces beaches were recommended by the Marine Conservation Society in the Good Beach Guide, a total which was considered low and attributed to the much needed redevelopment of the water treatment infrastructure.
The beaches awarded with the Blue Flag are: Ballycastle; Benone Strand, Magilligan; Cranfield West; Downhill, Castlerock; Portrush, West Strand; Portrush, Whiterocks; Portstewart Strand; and Tyrella Beach, Newcastle.
(EF/SP)
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.
Most of the beaches awarded the flag last year, were given the flag for another consecutive year, with the exception of the East Strand beach at Portrush. However, Ballycastle strand was awarded the honour, keeping the overall figure at eight.
A spokesperson for the Blue Flag Awards, today said that the awards were internationally recognised and that the eight beaches given the flag had stunning stretches of sand, on a par with those across Europe, the Caribbean and South Africa.
In May, eight of the provinces beaches were recommended by the Marine Conservation Society in the Good Beach Guide, a total which was considered low and attributed to the much needed redevelopment of the water treatment infrastructure.
The beaches awarded with the Blue Flag are: Ballycastle; Benone Strand, Magilligan; Cranfield West; Downhill, Castlerock; Portrush, West Strand; Portrush, Whiterocks; Portstewart Strand; and Tyrella Beach, Newcastle.
(EF/SP)
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05 June 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.
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.
05 June 2007
Local beaches awarded Blue Flags
Eight beaches in Northern Ireland have been awarded Blue Flags on meeting the guideline standards. Last year the same number of awards were given to beaches with litter-free sands and bathing waters. Portrush East Strand, which missed out last year, was added, while Downhill Beach has gone off the list.
Local beaches awarded Blue Flags
Eight beaches in Northern Ireland have been awarded Blue Flags on meeting the guideline standards. Last year the same number of awards were given to beaches with litter-free sands and bathing waters. Portrush East Strand, which missed out last year, was added, while Downhill Beach has gone off the list.
11 July 2023
Red Flag Restrictions Removed On North Coast Beaches
The Red Flag swimming restriction at Portstewart, Castlerock, Downhill and Benone beaches on the North Coast following the presence of blue-green algae, has now been removed. The public has been urged to remain vigilant for pockets of blue-green algae residue and scum along the shoreline.
Red Flag Restrictions Removed On North Coast Beaches
The Red Flag swimming restriction at Portstewart, Castlerock, Downhill and Benone beaches on the North Coast following the presence of blue-green algae, has now been removed. The public has been urged to remain vigilant for pockets of blue-green algae residue and scum along the shoreline.
24 May 2012
NI Beaches Haul In Blue Flag Awards
Hot temperatures and blue skies have hit Northern Ireland this week and it's good news for sun-worshippers as more than twenty beaches have been deemed clean and safe. Environment Minister Alex Attwood handed out 23 awards today to beaches and marinas.
NI Beaches Haul In Blue Flag Awards
Hot temperatures and blue skies have hit Northern Ireland this week and it's good news for sun-worshippers as more than twenty beaches have been deemed clean and safe. Environment Minister Alex Attwood handed out 23 awards today to beaches and marinas.
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.
