Murlough joins Tyrella as local Blue Flag beaches

Murlough joins Tyrella as local Blue Flag beaches

30 May 2012

MURLOUGH Beach has been awarded its first Blue Flag.

The local strand has joined Tyrella beach to be awarded both international Blue Flag status and a Northern Ireland Seaside Award by TIDY Northern Ireland in association with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

Although Tyrella beach has secured the awards before, this is the first time Murlough has passed the gruelling quality tests.

Blue Flag beaches must meet 32 criteria, including guideline bathing water quality as set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. The Seaside Award operates in a similar manner including meeting the mandatory EU standards for bathing water.

The awarding of Blue Flag status and a Seaside Award to Murlough Beach has been welcomed by Newcastle councillor Patrick Clarke.

“In terms of tourism promotion and attracting visitors to Murlough beach, to be awarded the Blue Flag status and Seaside Award shows the very high standards of facilities, water quality and bathing waters,” he said.

“When people and beach users see the Blue Flag status they know that they are visiting a beach like Murlough that has attained the very highest bathing water quality as set by the EU Bathing Water Directive.

“I also look forward to Newcastle in the very near future also attaining Blue Flag status which would make a huge difference to welcoming people and tourists to Newcastle beach. No doubt following completion of the major upgrade to the waste water treatment plant at Newcastle harbour there will be a vast important on the water quality and bathing waters at Newcastle.”

At Monday night’s monthly meeting of Down Council, the local authority’s chairman Dermot Curran said he was delighted both Murlough and Tyrella beaches now have Blue Flag status.

“This is a marvellous achievement and I congratulate the people responsible for the management of both beaches. I would also appeal to people who use these facilities to do their bit to help retain Blue Flag status by always clearing up and taking their litter home with them,” he added.