2011 - A Great Year for Sligo's Beaches

In June, An Taisce announced the 2011 recipients of the International Blue Flag Award and the National Green Coast Award at a ceremony at Curracloe Beach in Wexford. The awards were presented by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr Phil Hogan, T.D. This year Blue Flags were awarded to Rosses Point Beach and Enniscrone Beach, with Green Coast Awards awarded to beaches at Streedagh, Dunmoran, Enniscrone, Mullaghmore and Rosses Point. Each award is a mark of distinction that is highly valued by the County.

The Blue Flag award is one of the worlds most recognised eco-labels, to achieve this award a beach must comply with over 26 criteria, relating to water quality, information provision, environmental education and beach management.

The Green Coast Award is a National Award, awarded to beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural 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.

This year, Sligo County Council is delighted to have regained the Blue Flag for Enniscrone. In the past compliance with the strict guide standards for water quality at Enniscrone has been difficult to achieve, however this does not in any way imply that in the past there was poor water quality at Enniscrone, we were just unable to meet the stricter water quality standards required for blue flag status. On-going monitoring of the beach and control of activities in the catchments contributing to the beach are important aspects of maintaining a clean beach environment.

The beach awards demonstrate Sligo County Council’s commitment to improving water quality at our beaches. Special thanks must go to the local coastal communities, coast care groups, local individuals, and businesses, who assist in maintaining these beaches at award status so that they can be used by locals and tourists alike. The continuing high standards at our beaches are testament to the hard work carried out throughout the year in order to provide clean safe beaches for everyone to enjoy.

Sligo County Council will continue to work with the local communities towards achieving the highest environmental standards at all our beaches during the 2011 bathing season.

Blue Flag Beaches in County Sligo

• Enniscrone
• Rosses Point

Green Coast Award Beaches in Co Sligo

• Enniscrone
• Rosses Point
• Mullaghmore
• Dunmoran
• Streedagh

Click on the beach name below to check out the water quality at your local beach

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Rosses Point Beach Water Quality (PDF) - 85 kbs  

Streedagh Beach Water Quality (PDF) - 85 kbs  

Dunmoran Beach Water Quality (PDF) - 85 kbs  

Mullaghmore Beach Water Quality (PDF) - 86 kbs