Menu
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The British government has withdrawn funding needed to provide a beach officer to monitor beach standards and next summer will be the last time a blue flag will be flown on a Northern Ireland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The British government has withdrawn funding needed to provide a beach officer to monitor beach standards and next summer will be the last time a blue flag will be flown on a Northern Ireland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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
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.
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.
01 June 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.
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.
-
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.
