An Taisce withdraws environmental awards from Munster beaches

Five Irish beaches have already lost Blue Flag awards, which were presented in June. However, two were later restored.

An Taisce, which co-ordinates the environmental awards, has withdrawn the flag from three Co Cork beaches, one in Co Waterford and another in Co Clare.

To obtain the flag, beaches must meet criteria relating to water quality, facilities for visitors and beach management.

In Co Cork flags were taken down at Owenahincha, Tragumna and Warren beaches after An Taisce found unauthorised camping had resulted in excessive litter and "gross pollution" of toilets. These problems were corrected at Owenahincha and Tragumna, where flags have been reinstated, but Warren beach at Rosscarbery remains without a flag. In Co Waterford, the Blue Flag was removed from Counsellor's Strand beach at Dunmore East. A polluted stream was chlorinated by Waterford County Council. An Taisce spokeswoman, Ms Patricia Oliver, said her organisation was conscious of the danger to public health if chlorination was stopped but was concerned it could have a damaging effect on the local environment.

"An Taisce understands and sympathises with their position, but unfortunately the Blue Flag has had to be removed for the 2001 season," said Ms Oliver.

Spanish Point beach in Co Clare also had a polluted stream that was chlorinated by the local council.

Ms Oliver said officials would continue to inspect beaches throughout Ireland during the holiday period.

"If a problem can be fixed straight away, that's OK, but if it's something serious we say the flag will have to come down until it is fixed," she said.