No money means no increase on Blue Flag’s

No money means no increase in Blue Flags


Anton McNulty

MAYO will not increase its share of Blue Flag beaches in 2010 after Council officials confirmed that they did not have the resources to upgrade any more beaches.
Last year, Mayo received 13 Blue Flags which was the highest in the country along with Kerry but SeΡn Smyth, Senior Executive Officer said there were no proposals to increase that number this year. The Blue Flag beaches for 2010 are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Mr Smyth explained that qualifying for a Blue Flag beach was more about the water quality and other factors included having toilet facilities, recycling facilities, dog poop scoops, and lifeguards on duty during July and August. He said the costs involved prohibited the council from looking to increase the number of Blue Flags but they looked  forward to holding onto the 13 Blue Flags for 2010.