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It’s Official – Summer’s Here as a Record Two Blue Flags raised in Youghal, Co. Cork
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It’s Official – Summer’s Here as a Record Two Blue Flags raised in Youghal, Co. Cork
Youghal was officially confirmed as ‘Ireland’s Finest Coastal Resort’ with two of its beaches, Claycastle, and for the very first time, Redbarn, adjacent to the Quality Hotel and Leisure Club awarded ‘Blue Flag Status’ by An Taisce on Monday 14th June 2010.
Photo: Michael Hussey | Copyright www.youghalonline.com | Email: news@youghalonline.com
Proudly waving the Blue Flag at the official presentation at The Mall Arts Centre, Youghal Town Hall, Aileen Ahern, Youghal Tourism; Cllrs Sammy Revins, Liam Burke, Barbara Murray M.C.C. ; Patricia Power, Director of Services for the area; Sandra McLellan Mayor of Youghal, Cllr. Michelle Hennessy; Olivia Crossan - Clean Coast Officer, An Taisce and Cllr Derry Canty, Cork County Mayor. Photo: www.youghalonline.com
The awards were presented by Mr. John Gormley T.D., Minister for the Environment Heritage & Local Government at Velvet Strand, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin.
This year a total 10 beaches in Cork – 5 in the South & East and 5 in the West of the county were awarded the prestigious blue flag which represent the highest standards in water quality, environmental information and education, environmental management and safety, services and facilities.
A delighted Mayor of Youghal Sandra McLellan shows the unprecedented 2 blue flags awarded for Youghal beaches this year. The Mayor is pictured unfurling both flags with the help of Cllr Sammy Revins, Engineer Michael Murray, Connie Foley (Redbarn Blue Flag) Cllr Derry Canty, Cork County Mayor, Cllr Liam Burke, Cllr Barbara Murray MCC, Patricia Power, Director of Services for the area; Aileen Ahern, Youghal Tourism and Cllr. Michelle Hennessy. Pic-YoughalOnline.com
Speaking at the official presentation of blue flag and green coast awards ceremony at Youghal’s Mall Arts Centre, Patricia Power, Director of Services, Area Operations South, Cork County Council commented: “It is important to remember that the Blue Flag stands for more than just excellent bathing water quality. For beaches, it covers 32 criteria which have developed over the years to become more holistic and to address the various issues of sustainability; including litter management, provision of lifeguards, toilet facilities, animal control and more”. Ms Power commended the local authorities for their commitment to the Blue Flag campaign, but also the clean-up operations carried out by various community groups, individuals and organisations which she stated “were invaluable and a credit to those involved”.
The presentation of the 2 Blue Flags took place in The Mall Arts Centre, Mall House,Youghal. Pictured are Mayor of Youghal Sandra McLellan and members of An Taisce, The Irish Water Safety, The Cork County Mayor, Cllr Derry Canty and Director of Services for the area, Patricia Power, as well as representatives from all the community groups in the entire southern region who represent their beaches. Pic: YoughalOnline.com
Youghal’s blue flags are set to provide a timely boost to the tourism industry in the area, with The Quality Hotel and Leisure Club predicting the award will create at least 15 new jobs in their facility. Speaking about the award, Allen McEnery, General Manager said: “This news comes on foot of a very solid start to the traditional holiday season by the Quality Hotel and Leisure Centre Youghal. Bookings are well up on last year and we see this as our customers telling us that they like what we have to offer to families. We predict our business is set to grow by an additional 22 % this year alone and as an island Nation – we have precious few Hotels located on our beautiful beaches.” said Allen.
Green Coast Awards: Derry Canty, Cork County Mayor, Olivia Crossan, An Taisce, Ned Brennan, Youghal Tidy Towns ( Redbarn) and Mayor of Youghal Sandra McLellan
In addition to Youghal’s two flags in Claycastle and Redbarn, other beaches in the area awarded blue flag status for Cork include: Shanagarry: Garryvoe Beach, Old Head of Kinsale: Garrylucas & Garrettsown, Clonakilty: Inchydoney, Rosscarbery: Owenahincha & Warren, Skibbereen: Tragumna, Mizen Head: Barleycove.
Blue Flag Awards: Connie Foley (Redbarn Blue Flag for Youghal), Olivia Crossan, An Taisce, Mayor of Youghal Sandra McLellan and Derry Canty, Cork County Mayor
The Blue Flag campaign is operated by An Taisce and implemented in Cork County Council using an Inter-Departmental approach involving Area offices, Environment and Water Safety sections.
Blue Flag Awards: Mick Long (Claycastle Blue Flag for Youghal), Olivia Crossan, An Taisce, Mayor of Youghal Sandra McLellan and Derry Canty, Cork County Mayor
Cork County Council has undertaken the provision of a full complement of beach lifeguards at all its 10 blue flag beaches this summer and will continue to supervise beaches at weekends in June and full time from July until the end of August.
Derry Canty, Cork County Mayor congratulates Patricia Power, Director of Services watched by a delighted Mayor of Youghal Sandra McLellan.
The Green Coast Awards were also presented at this ceremony to 10 Cork beaches. These awards seek to promote and protect the environment of rural beaches aiming to acknowledge clean environment, excellent water quality and natural unspoilt beauty. They may not have the necessary built infrastructure required to meet the criteria set for Blue Flag Status however they are exceptional places to visit and enjoy our rich coastal heritage and diversity.
Mayor of Youghal Sandra McLellan; Shane Supple, Secretary St. Ita's GAA Club; Showband legend Art Supple, St. Ita's GAA Club; Derek Canty Cork County Mayor and Connie Foley, Youghal Town Council. Pic: YoughalOnline.com
Green Coast Awards Presented to Christine Conway Ladysbridge/Ballymacoda area for Garryvoe beach with with Olivia Crossan, An Taisce, Derry Canty, Cork County Mayor and Director of Services for the area, Patricia Power, Director of Services
Green Coast Awards Presented to Martin McCormack for Rocky Bay in Carragaline with Olivia Crossan, An Taisce, Derry Canty, Cork County Mayor and Director of Services for the area, Patricia Power, Director of Services
Don Cummins for Garrethstown/ Lucas Blue Flag Award with Olivia Crossan, An Taisce, Mayor of Youghal Sandra McLellan and Derry Canty, Cork County Mayor
For further information contact:
Paul Murray – Engineer Cork County Council: 086-2855452
Aileen Ahern- Tourism Marketing Officer, Youghal: 024-81814 or 086-1703128 E: tourism@youghal.ie
Aoibhinn McGee – Sales & Marketing Manager, Quality Hotel & Leisure Club: 024-93050 or 087-6645021 E: amcgee@qualityhotels.ie
Aileen Ahern
Manager, Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group,
7-10 Enterpise Youghal,
Emmet Place,
Youghal,
Co. Cork.
Tel: 00 353 24 81814
E: tourism@youghal.ie
W: www.youghal.ie
1 comment |
How is it possible for rebarn and claycastle beaches to have good quality water and the front strand not ? where is the divide in the water ? where is the barrier to prevent poor quality water from the front strand going to claycastle and beyond to redbarn.?