Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has said the awarding of Blue Flag status to Killiney Beach and Seapoint is great news for the local areas which will no doubt see an increase in the number of visitors to their shores as a result.

“This year just three new Blue Flags were awarded nationally; two of which were in the Dun Laoghaire constituency. The local Council, and everyone who has played a role in getting, and keeping, our local beaches up to standard, is to be commended for a job well done.

“The awarding of the flags for Killiney Beach and Seapoint is even more marked as so many beaches lost their Blue Flag status this year for various reasons. In all, 13 beaches across the country failed to retain their status because the water quality wasn’t up to scratch, the beach simply wasn’t in an acceptable condition or the council did not apply this year.

“The fact that stricter new EU bathing water quality standards were introduced this year indicates the amount of work that has been done in the past year to bring Killiney Beach and Seapoint up to standard. Both of these beaches are already enjoyed by huge numbers of the population from across Dublin and beyond and hopefully, with a bit of good weather to come, we will see greater numbers taking day trips out here, with a positive knock-on benefit for local businesses generally.

“In some areas, the bad weather over the last year, which caused beaches to be flooded, has been blamed for the loss of status. I am delighted that, considering the fact that 13 beaches lost their Blue Flags this year, Dun Laoghaire constituency made the grade when it came to water quality, information provision, environmental education and beach management, to pick up two new awards.”

23 May 2013