Donegal retains Blue Flag Awards & National Green Coast Awards for 2016

 
An Taisce has announced the International Blue Flag Award and the National Green Coast Award recipients for the 2016 bathing season.
A total of 13 beaches in Donegal have retained their blue flag this while five sites in the county have also retained their Green Coasts Awards which were awarded last year.
The beaches in Donegal that have retained their blue flag continue to meet a specific set of criteria related to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and beach management.
The bathing water at Blue Flag beaches first and foremost must meet the highest standards of bathing water quality.
They are: Bundoran, Culdaff, Downings, Fintra, Killahoey, Marblehill, Lisfannon, Murvagh, Naran, Magherawarden, Shroove, Rossnowlagh, Carrickfinn.
Meanwhile Ballyhernan, Dooey beach, Drumnatinny, Maheraroarty and Port Arthur all retained their Green Coast Award this year which recognises the beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty.
Nationally, the overall Blue Flags in Ireland this year is down only one on 2015 while the Green Coast Awards are down 3 since last year.
No new accolades have been awarded to Donegal for 2016.