84 beaches and marinas receive blue flag awards
06/06/2006 - 12:34:47Ireland's seaside bathing areas have received their largest number of blue flags since the annual Europe-wide awards scheme was set up in 1998.
The flags are being presented to 81 beaches and three marinas today by Minister for the Environment Dick Roche.
The awards are granted on the basis of water quality, cleanliness and facilities for visitors.
Today's allocation is an increase of two on the 82 blue flags awarded in 2005.
Kerry and Mayo are receiving the largest number of flags with 13 each, followed by Cork and Donegal with 11 each.
