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Banna beach retained its Blue Flag again.
THE Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Norma Foley has warmly welcomed the news that Kerry has retained its 14 Blue Flags at 13 of the county’s beaches as well as Fenit Marina.
The decision of the International Blue Flag jury announced today (Monday) sees the following beaches retain their flags for 2019: Rossbeigh, Ballybunion North, Ballybunion South, Ballyheigue, Fenit, Maherbeg, Kells, Derrynane, White Strand, Ballinskelligs, Banna, Ceann Trá (Ventry) and Inch. Fenit Marina also retains it Blue Flag this year.
Green Coast awards have also been announced for Béal Bán, Castlegregory, Littor and Ballinskelligs and Waterville Beach.
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Welcoming the announcement, Cllr Foley said: ‘Blue Flags are an important internationally-known indicator of the quality of our beach environment and it is encouraging that Kerry is continuing to set a high standard in this regard. To retain all 14 Blue Flags is really positive news for the local economy and our tourism industry.
“These flags are a result of a collaborative approach between Kerry County Council, local community groups and beach users who work together to maintain our beautiful beaches and bathing waters.
“Kerry County Council invests tremendous effort in formulating strategies to keep County Kerry at the top of the Blue Flag list and will continue to invest the necessary resources to ensure the sustainable management of the magnificent beaches along the Kerry coast,” said Cllr Foley.
Director of Services for Environment at Kerry County Council, John Breen said: “As beaches become busier over the coming months, Kerry County Council appeals to all beach users to ensure they leave no litter on the beaches of Kerry or damage the wonderful coastal areas in any way so that the county can maintain and improve on its Blue Flag complement.
“It is only through the cooperation and support of all beach-users that we can continue to maintain these high standards and ensure that we continue to enjoy our pristine beach environments,” he added.
