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Bathing Waters

Sligo boasts some of the most dramatic landscapes in the North-West, including miles of rugged coastline and stunning beaches. Currently three of County Sligo’s beaches qualify for the coveted International Blue Flag Award, these are Rosses Point, Enniscrone and Mullaghmore.

The 2005 Blue Flag awards where announced on Tuesday 7th June by An Taisce, the Irish organising body of this international accolade. Sligo County Council was pleased to retain the three beaches at blue flag status, and wished to acknowledge the active communities in all three areas whose efforts have contributed to this award.

Bathing Waters

These beaches are not only approved to the Blue Flag standard but are also covered by the Quality of Bathing Waters Regulations, 1994.

What the Law Says

Local Authorities are responsible for implementation of the Quality of Bathing Waters Regulations, 1994. This legislation dictates the minimum criteria, frequency of sampling and the test parameters of prescribed bathing waters. 

The International Blue Flag

The concept of a Blue Flag was first conceived in 1985 by a cluster of French coastal communities in an effort to improve bathing water and the beach environment. Recently the programme has been described as the most successful ”eco-label” to come from Europe. It is an instantly recognisable symbol of environmental quality. Beaches that display the International Blue Flag must fulfil 27 stringent criteria, which are based around four broad themes:

• Water quality
• Beach management (including litter control)
• Safety and facilities
• Environmental information

Monitoring

Amongst other things, Blue Flag status requires the regular monitoring for three types of bacteria, which may be present in the water (Faecal Coliform, Total Coliform or Faecal Streptococci). Analysis of the bacterial count is an accurate indication of the quality of bathing waters. Testing is carried out during the bathing season, (May – August).

Information Displays

Another basic requirement of the Blue Flag Programme is that general information including bacteriological results and upcoming beach activities will be available to beach users. All three beaches have display boards dedicated to blue flag information.

Activities & Events

Another criteria of the Blue Flag Campaign require Local Authorities to operate a number of environmental education activities in the Blue Flag Coastal Communities. The activities planned for 2005 are as follows:

Your next Beach Visit

Blue Flags are not easily gained or retained but with public support everyone can enjoy the coastal environment in the knowledge that it is safe and clean. So on your next beach visit make sure to:

• Deal responsibly with litter.
• Take your waste home, in particular soiled nappies.
• Keep control of pets and clear up their waste.
• Join in beach activity programmes, such as clean-ups, and safety talks.
• Obey safety guidelines.