Mornington wins back its Green Coast flag... East Meath spot recognised as one of Ireland’s best beaches in the 2020 Awards

Mornington Beach has been recognised as one of Ireland’s best beaches in the 2020 Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards.

The award recognises beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty.

60 beaches in Ireland were awarded the Green Coast Award for 2020.

The east Meath beach regained the status having last held the award in 2017.

The awards were announced by Ian Diamond, Coastal Awards manager with An Taisce’s Education Unit, the national operator of Blue Flag and Green Coast Award programmes in the Republic of Ireland.

The Green Coast Awards were presented back in 2003 to four beaches in County Wexford, it was rolled out nationally in 2008 and has gone from strength to strength ever since.

The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised eco-labels. It originated in France in 1985 when French coastal Local Authorities were awarded with the Blue Flag for compliance with sewage treatment and bathing water quality criteria.

It was launched as an International programme as part of the "European Year of the Environment in 1987. In 1988, the first year sites were awarded outside of France 19 beaches and 2 marinas received the Blue Flag in Ireland. This year Ireland continues to punch above its weight with a record equalling 90 sites awarded, up 2 on last year’s total.

The programme aims to raise environmental awareness and promote sound environmental management of beaches, marinas and inland bathing waters around the world.

The 80 Irish beaches and 10 marinas that have achieved this accolade must adhere to specific criteria related to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and site management.

In announcing the awards from home via Facebook Live Mr. Ian Diamond, Coastal Awards Manager with An Taisce’s Environmental Education unit said:

“I am delighted to announce today the recipients of 90 Blue Flags and 60 Green Coast Awards for 2020. I would like to congratulate the Local Authorities, community groups and marina managers on their success in achieving Blue Flag or Green Coast Award status. I would also like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable summer”.