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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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02 June 2011
Life's A Beach As Blue Flags Flutter
As summer weather again brightens-up Northern Ireland today - with blue skies and temperatures as high as 23C - there was good news and not so good news on local beaches. The Stormont Environment Minister Alex Attwood has presented awards that recognise the high quality of Northern Ireland beaches and coastal waters.
Life's A Beach As Blue Flags Flutter
As summer weather again brightens-up Northern Ireland today - with blue skies and temperatures as high as 23C - there was good news and not so good news on local beaches. The Stormont Environment Minister Alex Attwood has presented awards that recognise the high quality of Northern Ireland beaches and coastal waters.
02 May 2003
Report shows decline in NI beach water quality
A UK wide report has revealed that the water quality at many of Northern Ireland's most popular beaches is getting worse. The Marine Conservation Society tests water quality throughout the UK on a regular basis and recommended that only four out of 27 beaches in the province were up to standard.
Report shows decline in NI beach water quality
A UK wide report has revealed that the water quality at many of Northern Ireland's most popular beaches is getting worse. The Marine Conservation Society tests water quality throughout the UK on a regular basis and recommended that only four out of 27 beaches in the province were up to standard.
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.
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.
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.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
