International Blue Flag Award
The Blue Flag is a voluntary eco-label awarded to over 3500 beaches and marinas in 33 countries in the Northern hemisphere. The Blue Flag Programme is owned and operated by the independent non-profit organisation the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).The Blue Flag works towards sustainable development at beaches and marinas through strict criteria dealing with water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and other services. The Blue Flag Programme includes environmental education and information for the public, decision makers and tourism operators.
Blue Flag Award Ireland
In Ireland the Blue Flag is operated by An Taisce - The National Trust for Ireland. An Taisce have over 20 years experience of operating the Blue Flag Programme and maintains excellent links at a national and international level with organisations involved in beach management.You can contact the Irish Blue Flag Manager on + 353 1 4002210 or by using the contact form here
Blue Flag Criteria
The award of a Blue Flag beach is based on compliance with 32 criteria covering the aspects of:1) Environmental Education and Information
2) Water Quality
3) Environmental Management
4) Safety and Services
2) Water Quality
3) Environmental Management
4) Safety and Services
Some criteria are imperative (I), some are guideline (G) and some are non-applicable (NA) for certain regions. All imperative requirements have to be fulfilled, and in addition a maximum number of guideline criteria. All Blue Flags are only awarded for one season at a time. If some of the imperative criteria are not fulfilled during the season or the conditions change, the Blue Flag will be withdrawn.
Further Information on the Blue Flag Programme is available from the International Blue Flag website: www.blueflag.org
The Blue Flag programme in Ireland is funded by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
