KERRY County Council has decided to run with prior-warnings for designated bathing beaches this weekend as a result of the heavy rains today and forecast over Saturday and Sunday.
It comes as heavy rains have resulted in a sewerage network overflow in Ballybunion North beach this afternoon and advice from HSE is to place a bathing prohibition notice on that beach until water quality improves.
This has been carried out and testing will continue until the water quality has returned to normal levels.
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Meanwhile, Kerry County Council has decided to run with prior-warnings for designated bathing beaches at Ballybunnion South, Ballyheigue, Banna, Fenit, Maharabeg, Ventry, Inch, Kells, Cuas Crom, White Strand (Caherciveen), Ballinskelligs, Derrynane and Inny Strand (Waterville).
Prior-warning is not a prohibition on bathing or an advice against bathing. Notification of the warnings, along with information on same will be available on the EPA website www.beaches.ie
The warning runs from today, June 24, and will remain in place until the results from the bathing water samples of next week’s sampling run are available which will probably be on Wednesday and Thursday.
LIFEGUARDS will be on duty on all Blue Flag Beaches in Kerry at weekends commencing from this Bank Holiday Weekend, increasing to seven days per week on all of those beaches from the beginning of July.
Beachgoers are reminded that lifeguards are only on duty during specific times which are advised locally on each Blue Flag beach and that lifeguards cover only designated patrolled areas which are indicated by the presence of lifeguard flags.
The 41 lifeguards, who are fully trained, will be on duty on Kerry beaches over the summer. Kerry County Council is reminding all beachgoers and those swimming and bathing at the county’s beaches this summer to act responsibly and safely in the water at all times.
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Kerry has 15 Blue Flags for 2022 which were recently awarded by the Blue Flag International Jury (FEE) for meeting a series of high standards – the largest number of such beaches in the country.
These include: Rossbeigh, Ballybunion South, Ballybunion North, Ballyheigue, Fenit, Maherbeg, Kells, Doire Fhíonáin (Derrynane), White Strand, Baile an Sceilg (Ballinskelligs), Banna, Fionntrá (Ventry), Inch, Fenit Marina and Portmagee Seasonal Pontoon.
AN Taisce has announced that 13 Kerry beaches and two marinas will be awarded Blue Flags for the coming year.
The awards were presented by Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Heritage and Electoral Reform at a ceremony Curracloe Beach in County Wexford this afternoon.
The 13 beaches in Kerry to be awarded the Blue Flags are Baile an Sceilg (Ballinskelligs); Ballybunion North Beach; Ballybunion South Beach; Ballyheigue; Banna Strand; Doire Fhíonáin (Derrynane); Fenit; Fionntrá (Ventry); Inch; Kells; Maharabeg; Rossbeigh, White Strand; White Strand, Caherciveen.
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Ballybunnion North Beach, which last flew a Blue Flag in 2019 has regained the flag or the 2022 bathing season.
Blue Flags for Marinas were awarded to Fenit Marina and Portmagee Seasonal Pontoon. Green Coast Beaches Awards were given to Littor; Waterville; Ballinskelligs; Castlegregory and Béal Bán.
Speaking at the awards ceremony Minister Noonan stated that: “This year celebrates 35 years of the Blue Flag as an international programme and during that time the Blue Flag has become an internationally recognised symbol of high standards in water quality, environmental management, environmental education and safety. I am pleased to be presenting 95 blue flags and 62 green coast awards today and want to commend the great efforts made by local authorities, An Taisce, coastal communities and volunteers for their work around the country.”
KERRY has been awarded 14 Blue Flags this summer including 12 at beaches around the county, one at Fenit Marina and one at the Portmagee Seasonal Pontoons in south Kerry.
The decision of the International Blue Flag jury was announced today and sees the following beaches awarded Blue Flags for 2021: Rossbeigh, Ballybunion South, Ballyheigue, Fenit, Maherabeg, Kells, Derrynane, White Strand, Ballinskelligs, Banna, Ventry and Inch.
Fenit Marina also retains its Blue Flag this year while the Portmagee Seasonal Pontoons, run by Kilrush Maritime Ltd, is a recipient also.
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Green Coast Awards have been issued for Waterville, Ballinskelligs, Béal Bán, Castlegregory and Littor beaches.
Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Patrick Connor Scarteen welcomed the announcement saying that the awarding of the Blue Flags is a wonderful vote of confidence in the collaborative approach between Kerry County Council, local community groups and beach users who work together to maintain our beautiful beaches and bathing waters.
‘This is fantastic recognition of the quality of our beaches and beach environments in Kerry. Kerry County Council invests tremendous effort in keeping County Kerry at the top of the Blue Flag list and will continue to invest the necessary resources to ensure the sustainable management of our magnificent beaches along the Kerry coast,’ he said.
‘To be awarded 14 Blue Flags in the county is really positive news for the local economy and our tourism industry at this very challenging time,’ said John Breen, Director of Services with Kerry County Council.
‘We would appeal to all beach users this summer to be responsible in observing social distancing at the beach, to be respectful of other beach users and to ensure that they leave the beach as they found it and do not litter. In that regard, we will be stepping up our anti-littering messaging with new signs and publicity campaigns over the coming weeks,” he added.
AN Garda Síochána and Kerry County Council are appealing for motorists to park responsibly when visiting public beaches and amenity areas.
The appeal comes after parking issues at beaches and amenity areas throughout Kerry in recent weeks in which vehicles have been obstructed / blocked in and roadways obstructed.
In many instances this has caused huge inconvenience to people and can create a dangerous situation when emergency vehicles cannot have access to areas. Banna beach had to be closed last Sunday afternoon due to traffic congestion.
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Speaking today, Superintendent Flor Murphy said; “I am appealing to people to park responsibly and to think about others. An Garda Síochána will be paying particular attention to this for the remainder of the holiday season. On the spot fines will be issued in relation to any illegal and dangerous parking.
“When you do park up, make sure all valuables are taken with you and that the vehicle is locked. I would also like to encourage everyone to continue to protect each other by maintaining social distancing whilst out at these locations.”
Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Patrick Connor Scarteen added to the appeal. “We are lucky to have such beautiful beaches in Kerry, but we are asking visitors to act responsibility while enjoying the beaches. This includes parking responsibly, to allow Emergency Vehicles access the beaches should somebody require emergency attention. We would also ask people to be conscious of the local residents.”
PUBLIC car parks at Kerry beaches will re-open on Monday next, May 18, but the 5km rule on travel restrictions still applies.
The car parks were closed at the beginning of April in the interests of public health and limiting the spread of the coronavirus.
Kerry County Council has decided to re-open the car parks having regard to the Government Roadmap for the Reopening of Society and Business and the current advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team.
However, the council is reminding the public that a strict travel limit of 5km applies where individuals are leaving their home for exercise or recreation. Only those residing within 5km of beaches should travel to those beaches in line with the current public health advice.
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Those travelling to beaches should ensure that the two-metre physical distancing guideline is maintained.
Groups other than small family units should not congregate to avoid transmission of the virus. Advisory signage is being erected by Kerry County Council at beach car parks this weekend and members of the public are asked to adhere to that advice.
Director of Services with Kerry County Council, John Breen, said the decision had been taken following a safety assessment and consideration of the roadmap published recently by the government as well as the prevailing public health advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team.
“There is an understandable desire by many people to avail of the fine weather and visit our wonderful beaches but we must ensure that this is done in compliance with public health advice and with the core aim of continuing to flatten the curve of the coronavirus pandemic,” he said.
“This does not, however, represent an unrestricted re-opening of beach car parks. Only those living within 5km of our beaches are permitted to travel there under the public health guidelines and if they do, the required two metres distance from others must be maintained. In conjunction with An Garda Síochána, we will be overseeing the new arrangements,” he added.
FOLLOWING consultation with An Garda Síochána, and in the interests of limiting the spread of the coronavirus, Kerry County Council will close all public car parks at beaches around the county for the Easter weekend.
The decision follows the issuing of clear national public health advice that members of the public should not visit or congregate in public places such as beaches, apart from individuals or households which are resident within two kilometres of a beach.
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Council personnel will be present at the car parks to monitor the closures over the weekend and will liaise with An Garda Síochána to ensure compliance.
Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell said: “The clear advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team is that members of the public should not travel to or congregate anywhere which poses a risk to public health.
“This decision is to ensure that people do not breach the current guidelines and to ensure that the sustained effort to flatten the curve continues.”
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.
.Teresa O’Sullivan, left, and her sister Hanna O’Sullivan and Mum Kathleen O’sullivan, from Portmagee, on Ballinskelligs Beach, Co.Kerry, testing the specially adapted beach Hippocampe wheelchair, designed to make it easier for beach users with a disability or mobility restrictions to access and enjoy. From left, Moira Murrell, Chief Executive Kerry County Council, Aine O’Sullivan, Disability Federation Ireland, Dessie Cronin, Ballinskelligs Community Development, James Flavin, Life Guard, Cathaoirleach Kerry Councy Council, Cllr John Sheahan, Sean Scally, Enable Ireland, Sheila O’Connell, John Breen, Director of Services, Kerry County Council, Barbara O’Shea, Café Cois Trá, (Hippocampe can be accessed), Liz Scanlon. Photo:Valerie O’Sullivan
Kerry Council Council has made specially adapted beach wheelchairs available for wheelchair users and people with disabilities at two Kerry beaches this summer.
The Hippocampe wheelchairs are designed to make it easier for beach users with a disability or mobility restrictions to access and enjoy local beaches.
With the support of funding from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, two wheelchairs have been purchased and are now available at Inch and Ballinskelligs beaches.
A third will shortly be made available at Ballyheigue Beach with the ambition of further chairs being provided at other Kerry beaches in the years ahead.
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The wheelchairs are designed for ease of movement on uneven ground and soft sand. Due to their balloon wheels, they cannot be self-propelled, therefore, all users will be required to bring someone with them to assist with transfer and pushing.
The service is free of charge, but it is essential to book in advance. They can be booked in slots of up to three hours and users will be asked to complete a booking form and present a valid photo ID.
Teresa O’Sullivan giving her sister Hanna O’Sullivan from Portmagee, a spin on Ballinskelligs Beach. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Director of Services with Kerry County Council, John Breen said the wheelchairs have the approval and support of the Irish Wheelchair Association, Enable Ireland and the Disability Federation of Ireland.
“The aim to is to allow wheelchair users to enjoy our wonderful beaches during the summer months and to ensure their carers can bring those they care for to the beach in a safe and enjoyable atmosphere,” he said.
“I would like to acknowledge the support and assistance of local community operators who are taking responsibility for bookings. We are very grateful for this support,” he said.a
Cllr Terry O’Brien, Service Coordinator with the Irish Wheelchair Association welcomed the new Hippocampe wheelchairs. “A regular wheelchair would get stuck in the sand but these chairs are very ease to move and to manouevre on the sand. This is a great initiative in Kerry and hopefully we can see more of them available at Kerry beaches in the years ahead.”
The chairs are available through July and August from noon to 7pm Monday to Friday and from 11am to 7pm at weekends. To make a booking for Ballinskelligs, contact 087 296 5874 or for Inch, call 086 266 3186
BANNA, Fenit and Ballyheigue were among the 14 beaches awarded Blue Flags today.
A blue flag standard is an international award which recognises outstanding compliance with sewage treatment and bathing water quality criteria.
It was awarded to 88 Irish beaches or marinas for this year, three more than last year.
Welcoming the announcement, the Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Michael O’Shea said: ‘Blue Flags are an important indicator of the quality of our beach environment and it is encouraging that Kerry is continuing to set a high standard in this regard.
“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 appealed 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.
The Kerry beaches which were awarded Blue Flags are;
THERE was good news for beachgoers this morning as bathing water quality at the county’s identified bathing water sites is classified as ‘excellent’ in all cases.
In a report published today, the Environmental Protection Agency found the standard of water quality at all of the 15 identified bathing water locations in Kerry to be of an excellent standard.
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The locations which were assessed included Fenit, Banna, Castlegregory, Ballyheigue, Ballybunion (Men’s and Ladies), Inch, Rossbeigh, Derrynane, Kells, Ballinskelligs, Ventry, Maharabeg, Inny Strand in Waterville and the White Strand, Caherciveeen.
The Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Michael O’Shea, has welcomed the finding. “This is a hugely encouraging report for Kerry,” said Cllr O’Shea, “highlighting as it does the very consistently high standard of identified bathing waters around the Kerry coast.
“This is great news for Kerry at the beginning of another tourist season and will allow the county to continue to attract visitors and locals alike to our beaches as an amenity for recreational use.
“From an economic, tourism, environmental, and public health and safety perspective, maintaining a good standard of water quality at identified bathing sites is enormously important.
“This latest EPA study is testament to the effort of the staff of Kerry County Council, other public bodies, beach-users and members of the public in maintaining a clean and pristine coastal environment and will encourage all of us to continue to work together to maintain this very high standard,” said Cllr O’Shea.
FENIT harbour and marina will raise a Blue Flag this year after joining the 13 other beaches, including Banna and Ballyheigue, awarded the excellent standard by An Taisce.
Kerry beaches have again maintained their excellent standard with the awarding of 14 Blue Flags for 2016, two more than in 2013. The Irish Blue Flag Jury made the announcement of the accolades today.
The flags are awarded to beaches and marinas which comply with a specific set of criteria relating to water quality, information provision, environmental education and beach management. Beaches must also comply with EU bathing water directives to secure a Blue Flag.
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Kerry has gained an additional Blue Flag this year with Fenit Harbour and Marina being included on the list to bring the total number of flags in the county to 14. The county now has two more Blue Flags than in 2013. Last year, Rossbeigh regained its flag following repairs carried out after storm damage the previous year.
Blue Flags have been awarded to Ballybunion North, Ballybunion South, Ballyheigue, Banna, Fenit, Magherabeg, Ventry, Inch, Rossbeigh, Kells, White Strand (Cahersiveen), Ballinskelligs and Derrynane. In addition Fenit Harbour and Marina was awarded a Blue Flag for the 2016 season.
A Green Coast Flag has been awared to Béal Bán Beach in Ballyferriter. Green Coast Flags are awarded where there is promotion and facilitation of coastal clean-up initiatives and where there are improvements in Ireland’s coastal environment.
Welcoming the announcement, the Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Pat McCarthy said: ‘Blue Flags are an indicator of the quality of our beach environment and it is encouraging that Kerry is continuing to set a high standard, adding one new Blue Flag to the total in Kerry this year.’
Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell said: ‘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 Programme, and will continue to invest the necessary resources to ensure the sustainable management of the magnificent beaches along the Kerry coast,” said Ms Murrell.
Director of Services, John Breen, appealed 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 we can maintain and improve on our Blue Flag complement.
“As Kerry is the premier tourist county in Ireland, Kerry County Council has a responsibility to ensure that the beaches and infrastructure are presented to holidaymakers in the most attractive manner possible. The same applies to the people of Kerry who avail of the natural amenity that our beaches provide,” he said.
KERRY County Council has welcomed the findings of a new report from the Environmental Protection Agency which has found the quality of all identified bathing waters in Kerry to be of excellent quality.
Kerry is one of only three local authority areas in the country where all designated bathing areas achieved ‘Excellent’ status.
The report found that 15 beaches which were surveyed had maintained their standards from the previous year. These are:
Baile an Sceilig; Ballybunion North; Ballybunion South; Ballyheigue; Banna Strand; Castlegregory; Doire Fhíonáin; Fenit; Fionntrá; Inch; Kells; Maharabeg; Rossbeigh, White Strand;Inny Strand, Waterville; White Strand, Caherciveen.
Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell, warmly welcomed the EPA report saying the findings were testament to the hard work of Council staff and local community groups and residents in maintaining our beaches.
“This is great news for Kerry at the beginning of another tourist season and will allow the county to continue to attract visitors and local alike to our beaches as an amenity for recreational use.
“I want to pay tribute to the staff of Kerry County Council who work to maintain our beaches to such a high standard. This effort is supplemented by the local residents and community groups who clean up areas along our coasts and maintain them.
“As the EPA says, good quality bathing water is a highly desirable natural resource for recreational use as well as being an important economic factor for tourism. This is wonderful news for a county which treasures its tourism industry, its local amenities and its reputation for environmental protection and cleanliness”, she said.
Banna Beach has retained its Blue Flag status. Photo by Dermot Crean.
FENIT and Banna are among the 13 Kerry beaches which have won Blue Flags (12 retaining from last year) at an awards ceremony in south Kerry today.
An Taisce announced the International Blue Flag Award and the National Green Coast Award recipients for 2015 with a total of 144 awards presented by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr. Alan Kelly, T.D, at an awards ceremony held on Ballinskelligs Beach.
81 beaches and five marinas were awarded the prestigious Blue Flag award representing an increase in six Blue Flag awards since 2014.
Speaking at the awards ceremony Minister Kelly said, “Blue Flags represent excellence. They are a clear signal of quality and are something to be cherished. I am delighted to announce that today we will be awarding a total of 86 Blue Flags; 81 for beaches and five for marinas. A blue flag flying at a particular location means that it has achieved excellent water quality to standards set by European and national Regulations, and a very high grade across a wide range of other criteria”
One Kerry beach, Rossbeigh, that failed to comply with the requirements of Blue Flag in 2014 because of storm damage has regained its Blue Flag status.
58 beaches in Ireland were awarded the Green Coast Award with Béal Bán in Kerry retaining its status.
KERRY County Council has decided to run with prior-warnings for designated bathing beaches this weekend as a result of the heavy rains today and forecast over Saturday and Sunday.
