Mayo beach loses Blue Flag status

FINE Gael Councillor Jarlath Munnelly is questioning the loss of a Blue Flag at Ross Beach in Killala. The country's list of Blue Flag beaches was announced by An Taisce today (Thursday).

The Killala based councillor said he was very annoyed to learn of the loss of blue flag status for the 2016 season for Ross, for reasons that he says are not fully clear.

Although the bathing water quality and services provided at Ross during 2015 were all up to standard, due to issues with lifeguard cover, Ross has lost its blue flag for 2016.

Stated Councillor Munnelly: “I am annoyed by this. Water quality and facilities at Ross are all up to standard, but evidently there is an issue with lifeguard cover when the beach was inspected in 2015.

“I would like Mayo County Council to give a full explanation on this, and I will be raising this with them immediately.”

Councillor Munnelly said he was not in possession of the full story with regard to the lifeguard issues, but was requesting an explanation immediately.

“A lot of people work hard to ensure Ross beach is maintained to a high standard. To lose the flag for what could be a simple enough reason is not good enough. I would like a full explanation on this.”

Councillor Munnelly said he will be requesting Mayo County Council to provide the full range of services at Ross for the 2016 summer season, even though it has lost its flag.

“I am expecting that it will be business as usual at Ross, in terms of maintenance and provision of lifeguards. That is the least that can be done in this case.”