Louth County Council celebrates Blue Flag and Green Coast awards

^{Above L-R: Louth County Council’s Olivia McCormack, Mark Kimmins, Paula Gribben, David Conway (Chief Executive), Cllr Paddy McQuillan (Mayor of Drogheda), Finbar Gethins, Cllr Andrea McKevitt, Grainne Fogarty and Gareth Fitzpatrick at the Blue Flag raising ceremony at Clogherhead Beach. Photo: Ciaran Culligan}

Three of Louth County Council’s beaches - Clogherhead, Port, and Templetown - have retained their Blue Flag status for 2025, while Seapoint beach in Termonfeckin has been awarded a Green Coast Award.

The awards were presented by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD, at a ceremony held at Ravenport Resort, Kilmacoe, Co. Wexford, overlooking Curracloe’s Blue Flag beach, on Friday last.

This year marks the 38th year of the International Blue Flag programme.  A world-renowned award trusted by millions around the globe, the Blue Flag programme is operated in Ireland by An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland, on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).  

Beaches and marinas that achieve this accolade must comply with a specific set of criteria relating to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and beach management. 

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This year also marks the 22nd anniversary of the National Green Coast Programme. The Green Coast Award recognises beaches that boast excellent water quality and are valued for their natural, untouched beauty. 

Cllr Paddy McQuillan, Mayor of Drogheda Borough District, added: “These awards are testament to the tireless efforts of Louth County Council, coastal groups, and the community to protect and enhance our coastline.”  

As we celebrate Volunteering Week, it's important to highlight the key role played by voluntary Clean Coasts groups. These dedicated volunteers take part in community clean-ups and work alongside Louth County Council to help manage the nominated beaches. At its core, the Green Coast Award programme aims to build strong community partnerships to protect and improve local coastal environments, while also honouring the hard work and commitment of those communities.

At the 2025 Blue Flag raising ceremony at Clogherhead Beach, David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, expressed his strong support for the Blue Flag Programme, stating: “We take great pride in the collaborative efforts that made this achievement possible. 

“In particular, during Volunteering Week, we want to acknowledge the incredible dedication of the volunteers who work tirelessly to keep our coastlines clean and beautiful. Louth County Council remains firmly committed to protecting our environment for future generations.”

A record-breaking 99 awards were announced by the Minister for the 2025 season, with 89 beaches and 10 marinas in Ireland receiving the Blue Flag Award, while 70 beaches were awarded the Green Coast Award.

Further information on the Blue Flag and Green Coast awards may be found at www.beachawards.ie