International Blue Flag Programme The Blue Flag Programme is one of the most widely known, most recognised and valued ecolabels throughout Europe and beyond. It is awarded to beaches and marinas with excellent environmental management.
The International Jury awarded the Blue Flag to 2550 beaches and 638 marinas in 30 countries in the Northern Hemisphere. The Southern Hemisphere candidates will be awarded in September.
In Ireland, in 2006 the jury awarded Blue Flags to 81 beaches and 3 marinas from a total of 88 beach and 4 marina applications.
Download the 2006 press release
Blue Flag for Boat Owners
Click here to download application form (PDF)
Blue Flag Beaches in Ireland
Information on the Blue Flag beaches in Ireland
Good Beach Guide 2006
To gain a Blue Flag, beaches have to meet 29 criteria and marinas 23 criteria covering; water quality, beach/marina management, safety, services and facilities, environmental education and information. Further explanation of both sets of criteria is found in the Blue Flag Beach Guidance Notes and Blue Flag Marina Guidance Notes.
Each year, local authorities put forward beaches and marinas in their jurisdiction, for the award and must prove compliance with criteria. Private marina operators also put forward marinas as applicants. The Blue Flag for beaches is only valid during the official bathing season and for one season at a time. The Blue Flag season coincides with the official bathing season (June 1 to August 31). Only bathing areas designated as such by the Irish Government are eligible for the Blue Flag.
Each summer in Ireland a team of assessors inspects all Blue Flag beaches and marinas to ensure compliance with criteria. If there is a breach of criteria local authorities are contacted and asked to act to ensure compliance.
If you visit a Blue Flag beach and find a problem please contact the Blue Flag Manager via phone or email or contact the local authority.
Some common compliance problems at Blue Flag beaches are within YOUR power. Please help keep the Blue Flag at your favourite Blue Flag beach by:
NOT LITTERING
KEEPING YOUR DOG ON A LEASH
PICKING UP AFTER YOUR DOG FOULS
RESPECTING THE FRAGILE DUNES
The International Blue Flag Programme is carried out by the member organisations of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). An Taisce is the national operator for the International Blue Flag Programme in Ireland.
The Irish National Blue Flag Jury and the International Jury reserve the right to refuse the Blue Flag to beaches and marinas in communities where the authorities are responsible for current violations of environmental regulations or otherwise act or follow conditions contradictory to the objectives and the spirit of the Blue Flag Programme.
Download Blue Flag Beach Guidance Notes |
Download Blue Flag Marina Guidance Notes |
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For more information about the Blue Flag Awards, please contact:
Lucy Hunt, Blue Flag Manager,
An Taisce, 5A Swift’s Alley, Francis Street, Dublin 8
Tel: 01 400 2210 Fax: 01 454 1802 E-mail: blueflag@antaisce.org