A record number of Irish beaches received blue flag awards this year, it was announced today.
Eight more flags were awarded this year than the 76 in 2010, with some 82 beaches and two marinas receiving the international award for excellence.
New winners include Tramore in Waterford, Portrane in Fingal, Youghal Front Strand in Cork and Enniscrone in Sligo.
Three beaches which had lost their flags in 2010 regained them this year - Brittas Bay South in Wicklow, Traught and Ceibh an Spidéal in Galway, and Ross and Old Head in Mayo.
Two beaches lost their blue flags - Dollymount in Dublin, for insufficient water quality, and Mullaghmore in Sligo due to “ongoing issues” where livestock roaming the beach caused safety concerns.
The blue flag award is an international label granted on the basis of 32 criteria involving water quality, area management, safety and environmental education.
The awards are run by An Taisce on behalf of the international Foundation for Environmental Education.
Speaking at the awards on Curracloe beach, Co Wexford, Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan congratulated the teams responsible for maintaining the successful areas.
"This increase is very welcome and is due to the combined efforts of the Local Authorities and coastal communities on the ground as well as those in the wider catchment who are playing their part in working to improve water quality," he said.