Bertra and mulranny regain blue flag status

MAYO has won back two of its Blue Flags, which were lost last year due to storm damage.

Bertra and Mulranny beaches have regained their Blue Flag status, it was announced by An Taisce at the International Blue Flag Award and the National Green Coast Award ceremony this lunchtime.

Mayo has been awarded 12 Blue Flags for its beaches at Dooega, Carrowmore, Clare Island, Ross (Killala), Golden Strand, Mullaghroe, Silver Strand (Dugort), Keel, Elly Bay, Keem, Bertra and Mulranny.

A Blue Flag signifies that a beach has achieved excellent water quality to standards set by European and national regulations, and is of very high grade across a wide range of other criteria.

Enniscrone in Sligo, popular with Mayo beach visitors, has lost its Blue Flag due to failure to comply with water quality requirements.

Ballycastle also didn't regain its Green Coast Award for 2015. The Green Coast Award recognises beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty.

These beaches may not have the necessary built infrastructure required to meet the criteria set for Blue Flag status. However, they are exceptional places to visit.