Double joy for Fountainstown beach in 2025 Blue and Green Flag Awards
- Tara Maher
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Several beaches and marinas in County Cork have been honored with prestigious environmental awards for 2025. Fountainstown, Royal Cork Yacht Club, Kinsale Yacht Club, Garretstown, and Garrylucas beaches all received the Blue Flag award. Fountainstown beach also achieved Green Flag status, along with Oysterhaven and Rocky Bay.
These awards were presented by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Mr. James Browne TD, at a ceremony in Curracloe, County Wexford. Notably, Fountainstown was among ten beaches to achieve dual Blue and Green Flag status, with Inchydoney Beach being the only other recipient in Cork to do so.
A total of 169 awards were presented, marking an increase of five from the previous year. This includes 149 beaches and ten marinas. Cork County stands out with the highest number of Green Coast Awards at 14 and the highest combined total of 27 award flags. This includes Blue Flags for Kinsale Yacht Club and The Royal Cork Yacht Club, as well as 11 Blue Flags for beaches managed by Cork County Council.
The Blue Flag, an internationally recognized environmental award since 1987, signifies high environmental standards. In Ireland's inaugural year of participation in 1988, 19 beaches and 2 marinas were awarded. For the 2025 season, the 38th year of the program in Ireland, 99 beaches and marinas (89 beaches, 10 marinas) have received this recognition.
The Green Coast Award acknowledges beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality, and natural beauty, highlighting exceptional coastal heritage sites.
Ms. Cathy Baxter, Director of Education and Community Action at An Taisce, congratulated all involved, including Local Authorities, marina operators, and Clean Coasts groups, for maintaining the high standards required for these awards. She also thanked Wexford County Council for hosting the presentation ceremony.