Four Wicklow Beaches Retain Blue Flag Status

Bray South Promenade, Greystones and Brittas Bay North and South have retained their blue flag.

However Arklow South Beach did not meet the required water quality to obtain Green Coast Award status for 2020.

In total a record number of 90 sites have been awarded the flag this year, up two on 2019.

Youghal Claycastle in County Cork has achieved Blue Flag status for the first time since 2011, while Bertra in County Mayo and Bundoran in County Donegal have regained the status they lost last year.

However it wasn't such good news for Ballybunion North beach, which failed to achieve the excellent water quality rating needed to retain the flag for 2020.

Other areas of note include the decision by Wexford County Council to withdraw Blue Flag Status from Courtown beach due to lower than normal beach sand levels.

While Cill Mhuirbhigh on Inis Mor in County Galway will not fly the flag this year as there will not be a lifeguard in place due to the Covid 19 restrictions.