Annabel FitzGerald, Coastal Programmes Manager with An Taisce, The National Trust for Ireland, talks to Noel McGuinness on Northside Today about this year’s Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards. She says that in all, 80 International Blue Flag and 54 National Green Coast Awards were made this year to locations around Ireland. Blue Flag beaches must be identified bathing waters and are judged against a total of 32 criteria while the Green Coast Awards can be made to non-identified bathing waters and go to beaches that have excellent water quality and a 5-year beach management plan, with local communities encouraged to engage in the management of the beach. These beaches might not have all the facilities needed for the Blue Flag status but they are exceptional places to visit. See www.blueflagireland.org and www.cleancoastsireland.org

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