Photo: Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

Youghal Beach with Blue Flag

Reports today suggest that Youghal is to lose EU Blue Flag status for one of its beaches. Youghal had previously been in the unique position of having two blue flag beaches. But the loss is expected to be short-term and there are hopes that Youghal will have and unprecedented 3 blue flag beaches by this time next year.

Youghal Beach (Photo: Shane Supple)

The loss is due to excessive rainfall during a particular sampling period in July of 2007.

The E.P.A.’s ‘Quality of Bathing Report 2007’ cited Youghal strand, one of Ireland’s finest beaches, as failing to meet required standards. Of the 10 samples taken from the front strand in Youghal in 2007, just one failed to meet the required standard, this occurred on 17th July 2007. Reacting immediately, the local area office erected notices on the beach for six days last year. A follow-up sample showed that the water quality had once again returned to blue-flag status.

Investigation at the time did not uncover any abnormalities to the sewerage pump station or any overflow related problems. However rainfall during this period was very high with Met Eireann data showing an increase of 930% in rainfall compared to the same period in 2006. This rainfall would have increased the flow draining from fields and into streams and rivers that feed into Youghal bay.

Youghal continues to retain its other blue flag at Claycastle Beach. And according to local County Councillor Barbara Murray , Youghal is also well on it’s way to gaining another blue flag at Redbarn Beach close to the Quality Hotel, once car-parking facilities are implemented. This beach is renowned for its high water quality standards.

Youghal is well known for the quality of its beaches and as Ireland’s premier coastal resort. Youghal is currently top of a shortlist of locations to host the ‘P1’ Powerboat World Championships ‘Grand Prix of the Sea’ in 2009.

Youghal Beach