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Loss for Lisfannon but Greencastle
gains Blue Flag
23.05.17
DONEGAL is enjoying
bittersweet success in the Blue Flag beach awards
with a loss for Lisfannon and a gain for
Greencastle.
12 Blue Flags were awarded to beaches at Bundoran,
Rossnowlagh, Murvagh, Fintra, Narin (Portnoo),
Carrickfinn, Killahoey (Dunfanaghy), Marblehill,
Portsalon (Magherawarden), Shroove, Culdaff and
Downings.
Lisfannon which has held the flag for many years,
lost out this bathing season, due to the water
quality being just outside the required standards of
excellence. |
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Lisfannon beach in Buncrana loses its
Blue Flag for the 2017 bathing season. |
Meanwhile, Greencastle
on Lough Foyle is celebrating a Blue Flag for the
local marina.
Donegal also had successes with Ballyheirnan (Fanad),
Drumnatinney (Falcarragh), Magheroarty, Port Arthur
and Dooey, as each achieved the Green Coast award
again this year.
Donegal County Council chief executive Seamus Neely
said: “We are delighted to have achieved a new Blue
Flag for the Greencastle Marina and indeed retain
the Blue Flag status for 12 of our beaches and the
Green Coast award for five of our beaches.“
"And while we are disappointed not to have retained
the Blue Flag this year for Lisfannon due to the
fact that the water quality was just outside the
required excellent standard, we will be continuing
to provide the same level of support and services at
this beach with a view to achieving Blue Flag status
in the upcoming bathing seasons."
At Lisfannon beach, the 95 percentile value for
E.coli was well within the boundary for ‘Excellent’
quality; while the Enterococci 95 percentile
achieved the 'Good' water quality standard, giving
an overall award of ‘Good’ but not 'Excellent' water
quality.
The council insisted that Lisfannon still had "very
high water quality which continues to be monitored
and results will be posted over the bathing season
both online at splash.epa.ie and on site via the notice
boards". The local authority said the popular beach
would continue to have a lifeguard service, waste
disposal and other services. |
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