Blue Flag beaches don't always fly blue flags

Blue Flags don’t fly on designated beaches on certain days because flags are sometimes awarded on the basis that lifeguards are present, members of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District have been told. 

The issue was raised by Achill-based Fianna Fáil Cllr Paul McNamara who said there were five Blue Flag beaches in Achill, as well as another in nearby Mulranny, and he was aware of a case of one beach not flying the flag for the whole month of September.

Mayo Co Council's engineer Heather Gibbons explained that on the beach in question, the flag was linked to the presence of lifeguards and could be flown when they were present. That was the agreed criteria under which the flag was awarded. Mayo currently has 12 Blue Flag beaches.

Cllr McNamara remarked: “So for someone there on days there are lifeguards it’s a Blue Flag beach, but when they’re not there, it’s not a Blue Flag beach.” 

The area engineer said the council had never committed to flying the flags all summer, adding it was an issue for the environment section in the council which came under pressure this year to provide lifeguards.

“Why are we bending to An Taisce on this Blue Flag criteria?” asked Cllr McNamara. “We already did bow to them by restricting dogwalking on the beach and then providing a section where dogs could and could not walk. Now we have them telling us when we can fly our Blue Flags."

Cllr McNamara said the beach

"I think it is an awful insult to the community itself that spends 365 days a year on their beaches, picking up rubbish and plastic for Mayo County Council to take away. Why are we bending to suit these public bodies to take down our blue flags that we are so proud of? It is ridiculous and for next year’s tourist season there is no way I will stand for this.” The area engineer said she would talk with the environment section on the matter.