Three Wicklow beaches retain the coveted Blue Flag award

Greystones Beach, Brittas North and Brittas South have been awarded the honour.

Today, An Taisce announced the International Blue Flag and Green Coast Award recipients for 2024. The awards were presented by Hildegarde Naughton TD - Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Department of Education at a ceremony held in the Galway Bay Hotel overlooking Salthill Blue Flag beach this afternoon. 

Speaking at the awards ceremony Minister Naughton, who presented the award flags said: 

“It is my great pleasure to congratulate all of the recipients of International Blue Flags and Green Coast Awards today. For Ireland to be the home of 94 Blue Flags across the length and breadth of our beautiful beaches and marinas. As a Galway Minister, I am particularly proud to see the return of the Blue Flag to one of my own local swimming spots, Traught Beach in Kinvara, I know that this will be of particular note and celebration for many Galway swimmers.” 

Continuing, Minister Naughton said: “As we get warmed up for the bathing and swimming season this year we are breaking the record with some 70 Beaches receiving the Green Coast Award. We all know just how lucky we are to have such beautiful water quality and natural beauty across our shores and this year’s recipients are testament to just how exceptional and rich in diversity that our beaches are. Congratulations to everyone involved and I want to wish a very happy and safe bathing and swimming season to everyone for 2024.” 

Talking at the event, Ms. Cathy Baxter, Director of the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce, said: 

“We were delighted to be welcomed to Salthill, a Blue Flag and Green Coast Award beach for many years, for the opportunity to celebrate the beaches and marinas awarded for the 2024 season. The Local Authorities, marina operators and Clean Coasts groups responsible for their management have worked tirelessly to ensure that these sites meet the excellent standards required by The Blue Flag and Green Coast Award. I would like to congratulate all the awardees on their success, and to thank Galway City Council for hosting us here today.”