Blue Flag for 12 Donegal beaches with four more awarded Green Coast status

Donegal will have 12 Blue Flag beaches for the 2023 season.

They are Bundoran Beach; Killahoey Beach, Dunfanaghy; Murvagh Beach, Laghey; Culdaff Beach, Malin; Rossnowlagh Beach, Ballintra; Shroove Beach, Greencastle; Carrickfinn Beach, Annagary; Fintra Beach, Killybegs; Marble Hill Beach, Dunfanaghy; Naran Beach; Portsalon Beach; and Downings Beach.

To obtain an internationally recognised Blue Flag, beaches must meet criteria relating to water quality, safety and coastal management. 

The awards were presented by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Mr Darragh O’Brien, TD, at an awards ceremony held on the Shoreline Hotel in Dublin. 

Minister O’Brien said: "This year celebrates the 20th anniversary of Clean Coasts and the Green Coast Awards and I am delighted to present a record-breaking 65 Green Coast Awards today. 

“It also marks 36 years of the Blue Flag as an international programme and I am pleased to present 94 Blue Flags for the 2023 season. 

“During its 36 years, the Blue Flag has become an internationally recognised symbol of high standards in water quality, environmental management, environmental education and safety.  Today’s high number of awards is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the local authorities, An Taisce, local coastal communities and other volunteers around the country.” 

Director of the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce Cathy Baxter praised the people who commitment ensured that beaches maintained Blue Flag standard.

“It takes immense dedication and effort to manage a beach or marina to meet the rigorous standards set by these prestigious award programmes, and we extend our warmest congratulations to all the deserving sites that have achieved this remarkable reward.”  

Green Coast Award

The Green Coast Award has achieved a noteworthy milestone by granting 65 awards for the 2023 bathing season. This is an increase of three awards compared to last year, and the highest number of awards given since its establishment. These achievements coincide with the celebration of Clean Coasts's 20-year anniversary. 

In Donegal, four beaches have Green Coast Award status for 2023. They are Dooey Beach, Magheraroarty Beach, Drumnatinney and Ballyheirnan.

An important aspect of the Green Coast Awards is the involvement of Clean Coasts groups, of which they are currently over 1,800 comprised of tens of thousands of volunteers nationwide. These volunteers participate in community clean-ups and in cooperation with Local Authorities help manage their local beaches throughout the year.