Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell has welcomed the news that four beaches in the Fingal area have regained Blue Flag status and received the Green Coast Award.
“I am delighted that Balcarrick beach in Donabate, Portrane beach, Skerries South beach and the Velvet Strand in Portmarnock have achieved Blue Flag status. These beaches are paramount in terms of bringing tourism to the region and, as a result of this, they bring money into the local economy through attracting tourists and tourism related revenue, particularly during the summer months.”
“The Blue Flag award is given to beaches which meet strict criteria in relation to water quality, water safety, facilities, and overall management factors which include environmental education and litter control. The awarding of these Blue Flags is testament to the hard work undertaken by the local communities in Donabate, Portmarnock, Portrane and Skerries.”
“In addition to this, these four beaches have also received the Green Cost Award which is an acknowledgement of their natural beauty, clean environment and water quality. These beaches are deserving recipients of both of these awards and I hope that we will now see an increase in tourism in each of these local areas as a result. Not only do these awards recognise the natural beauty of these areas and hard work undertaken by local communities, the local authority and An Taisce to achieve such high standards, but they also provide a platform from which we can further showcase the gorgeous scenery and numerous attractions present in Dublin Fingal.”
“This is great news for Dublin Fingal, particularly with the proximity of Dublin Airport to these sites. I will continue to fight for future investment and protection for sites of natural beauty and tourist areas in order to strengthen the local economy and further build Dublin Fingal as a tourism destination.”