Three Wicklow beaches awarded Blue Flag status along with one National Green Coast Award

Wednesday 22nd May, 2024

At a ceremony earlier this week, An Taisce announced the recipients of the Blue Flag and National Green Coast Awards for 2024. Three beaches in County Wicklow were awarded the Blue Flag and one beach earned the National Green Coast Award. The Blue Flags were awarded to Greystones South Beach, Brittas Bay North and Brittas Bay South. Arklow South Beach was awarded the Green Flag.

The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognized awards for beaches. In order to qualify for this prestigious award, a series of criteria in the areas of facilities, safety, environmental management and education must be met and maintained.  Bathing water must also have attained excellent status. 

The National Green Coast Award recognises beaches with excellent water quality and are prized for their natural, unspoilt environment.  They must be managed in partnership with the local community.  Wicklow County Council worked closely with Arklow Coast Care to clean and manage the beach in an environmentally sensitive way.  Arklow South Beach has regained the award after an absence of 4 years.

Commenting on the Green Flag award, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Aoife Flynn Kennedy, said “I am delighted that the Green Flag will once again fly over Arklow South Beach.  The award is testimony to the hard work and dedication Arklow Coast Care shows.”

Welcoming the announcement of the awards, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council Emer O’Gorman said, “There is a massive commitment required across many of the Council’s departments and Municipal Districts to reach the level of excellence required.  The Blue Flag is a huge honour and provides recognition for the efforts of our staff.”