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23/08/2006
NI beaches could lose blue flags
Northern Ireland is likely to become the only place in Europe without a single Blue Flag beach by 2007, it was today revealed.
The British government has withdrawn funding needed to provide a beach officer to monitor beach standards and next summer will be the last time a blue flag will be flown on a Northern Ireland beach unless the money can be found.
Tidy Northern Ireland have written to the 11 Northern Ireland councils whose areas contain coastal beaches, and the National Trust, in a bid to generate funding.
Between around £24,000 and £30,000 a year, would be required, depending on whether the post was full or part time, and the officer would advise on how to maintain beaches to international standards.
Removal of Blue Flag status would not automatically mean standards will drop, however it is an indication to visitors, particularly tourists, that a beach is of a high standard.
Commenting on the announcement, East Derry SDLP MLA John Dallat said: "The abandonment of the Blue Flag campaign to promote clean, safe, well managed beaches with high quality water standards would be criminal and would have particular consequences along the north coast from Ballycastle to Benone and in particular in Portrush and Portstewart where there are currently three Blue Flag beaches.
“The Blue Flag was the internationally agreed symbol recognised all over the world as a guarantee to visitors they were going to a beach they could trust.”
He continued by saying that he hoped the Northern Ireland Tourist Board was aware that to discontinue the flag programme would have a devastating impact on visitor numbers from abroad.
Northern Ireland currently has eight such beaches: Ballycastle; Benone Strand; Cranfield West; Portstewart Strand; Portrush West Strand; Portrush Whiterocks; Tyrella and Downhill.
(EF)
The British government has withdrawn funding needed to provide a beach officer to monitor beach standards and next summer will be the last time a blue flag will be flown on a Northern Ireland beach unless the money can be found.
Tidy Northern Ireland have written to the 11 Northern Ireland councils whose areas contain coastal beaches, and the National Trust, in a bid to generate funding.
Between around £24,000 and £30,000 a year, would be required, depending on whether the post was full or part time, and the officer would advise on how to maintain beaches to international standards.
Removal of Blue Flag status would not automatically mean standards will drop, however it is an indication to visitors, particularly tourists, that a beach is of a high standard.
Commenting on the announcement, East Derry SDLP MLA John Dallat said: "The abandonment of the Blue Flag campaign to promote clean, safe, well managed beaches with high quality water standards would be criminal and would have particular consequences along the north coast from Ballycastle to Benone and in particular in Portrush and Portstewart where there are currently three Blue Flag beaches.
“The Blue Flag was the internationally agreed symbol recognised all over the world as a guarantee to visitors they were going to a beach they could trust.”
He continued by saying that he hoped the Northern Ireland Tourist Board was aware that to discontinue the flag programme would have a devastating impact on visitor numbers from abroad.
Northern Ireland currently has eight such beaches: Ballycastle; Benone Strand; Cranfield West; Portstewart Strand; Portrush West Strand; Portrush Whiterocks; Tyrella and Downhill.
(EF)
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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.
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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.
