Environment

Meath County Council received 1 Blue Flag Award and 2 Green Coast Awards at the 2025 Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards Ceremony. Pictured L-R: Ms. Orla Carroll Head of Product Development Fáilte Ireland, Ms Bernadine Carry, Mr. James Browne TD Minister for Housing Local Government and Heritage, Cllr Sharon Tolan, Cathaoirleach Meath Co. Council and Ms. Cathy Baxter Director of Education and Community Action An Taisce.

Coastal celebration for Bettystown and Mornington awarded Blue Flag and Green Coast awards

Environment

Published: Mon 19 May 2025, 2:41 PM

Last updated: Mon 19 May 2025, 9:20 PM

HOLLY ALDER

Bettystown has retained its Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards for Bettystown, along with a Green Coast Award for Mornington.

A record number of Irish beaches and marinas were awarded a blue flag for the 2025 bathing season at a ceremony held in Co Wexford last week.

The environmental group An Taisce gave blue flag status to 89 beaches, beating the previous record of 85, while 10 marinas also got the award.

Kerry is the county with the most blue flags with 15, followed by Donegal with 14.

Several beaches regained their blue flag after missing out in recent years, including Cappagh Pier in Co Clare, Céibh an Spidéal in Co Galway, Ballymoney North beach in Co Wexford, and Tramore and Dunmore East in Co Waterford.

Keel Beach on Achill Island in Co Mayo was awarded a blue flag for the 37th consecutive year, while this was Bettystown's third consecutive blue flag.

One of the world’s most recognised eco-labels, the blue flag programme aims to raise environmental awareness and promote sound environmental management of beaches, marinas and eco-tourism boats around the globe.

The green coast award was given to 70 beaches for 2025, matching the record-setting total awarded last year. This award recognises beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty. Such sites are classified as exceptional places to visit and enjoy Ireland’s rich coastal heritage and diversity.

The green coast awards also recognise the work of coastal groups, which are comprised of thousands of volunteers who participate in community clean-ups.

Ten beaches were awarded both the blue flag and green coast award: Fountainstown and Inchydoney East beach in Co Cork; Balcarrick, Donabate in Fingal; Salthill and Silverstrand beaches in Galway City; Trá Inis Oírr in Co Galway; Baile an Sceilg in Co Kerry; Bettystown in Co Meath; and Enniscrone and Rosses Point beach in Sligo.

The 2025 awards were presented by Minister for Housing and Heritage, James Browne at a ceremony held in the Ravenport Resort in Curracloe, Co Wexford, on Friday afternoon.

"Presenting these awards on a great day in Curracloe and – in the current good weather - anticipating the happy days ahead for so many families on this very beach over the summer, I am particularly proud that the beautiful beaches and marinas from around my own home county of Wexford are amongst those recognised today."

Representing Co Meath at the event, Cathaoirleach Meath Co Council, Cllr Sharon Tolan said: "We are so proud to have retained our Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards for Bettystown, along with our Green Coast Award for Mornington.

“This is testament to the incredible dedication and hard work from our local Clean Coasts groups, in particular Bettystown Tidy Towns and our local Meath County Council staff who all work tirelessly and collaboratively to ensure we have clean, safe and beautiful beaches. A great day for Meath!"