Brittas Bay News - Brittas Bay regains the prestigious Blue Flag

Source: Wicklow Times Date: 10th June 2004 reporter: unknown

Wicklow's premier beach regains flag in time for tourist season

BLUE FLAGS will fly once again over County Wicklow's premier beach. Brittas Bay has regained blue flag bathing status.

After an absence of one year, both the north and south beaches at Brittas Bay won back the prestigious badge of honour in the 2004 International Blue Flag Awards, which were announced on Tuesday.

There was great dismay last year when Brittas Bay failed the rigorous quality-testing programme on three points during 2002 and lost blue flag status.

Wicklow County Council was disappointed at the loss but assured locals and visitors alike that the water was still perfectly safe to bathe in. They vowed to work hard to regain the flag for 2004.

Water on the South Beach failed a test for the presence of coliforms. Both beaches failed the water transparency test. However, council officials at the time said that the coliform test result was not typical of the beach and as it is a shallow sandy beach, visibility was often a problem. They blamed the weather for the problems.

Director of environmental and water services with the council, Michael Nicholson, said they were delighted with the announcement that the blue flag had been restored to Brittas Bay north and south beaches. 'These designations not only reflect the very high water quality and top class facilities provided at these beaches, but are a tribute to the dedication and hard work of council staff,' he stated.

Council staff attended the ceremony on Killiney Beach on Tuesday where they were presented with the coveted flags by environment minister, Martin Cullen.

The Blue Flag award, which is coordinated in Ireland by An Taisce, is based on a number of criteria including parking facilities, toilet facilities and litter control. Last year. County Wicklow was only awarded one Blue Flag. The beach at Greystones was the only one to meet the stringent standards. Greystones has retained its quality award this year. In all there are 77 Blue Flag beaches in Ireland for 2004 - a slip of two on last year's figure. There are 2,312 beaches and 695 marinas which sport the flag throughout Europe.

 

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