The Blue Flag is an international eco-label for beaches and marinas that deals with strict criteria. It is important to remember that the Blue Flag stands for more than just excellent bathing water quality. The Blue Flag for beaches covers 29 criteria which have developed over the years to become more holistic and to address the various issues of sustainability. These criteria cover issues such as environmental education and information about the coastal zone, dunes, compliance with national environmental legislation, provision of lifeguards and rescue equipment, litter management, toilet facilities, animal control and more.

The International Blue Flag Programme is co-ordinated in Ireland by An Taisce- The National Trust for Ireland, with support from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE, www. fee-international. org).

Beaches that have the Blue Flag award will display recent water quality results and have facilities in place.

In general bathing water quality at Irish beaches remains high and compares well with our European neighbours. In 2006, 90% of bathing areas (118 of 131 sites) complied with the guide values specified in the EU Directive (EPA, 2006 water quality report). Guideline values are quality objectives which all bathing sites should endeavour to achieve and are a prerequisite for the Blue Flag award.