Environment
County Mayo, Ireland
Mayo remains unique as one of Europe's most unspoiled regions in environmental terms. Clean coastal and inland waters, Blue Flag beaches, flora and fauna and the splendour of superb natural scenery are treasures which must be protected. Mayo County Council has prime responsibility for protecting the environment, a duty which is carried out in close consultation with other state bodies, local community and interest groups, and the various agencies in this sector.
Blue Flag Beaches
There are few regions in Europe to match the quality of Mayo's beaches and the County is the proud holder of no less than 13 Blue Flag awards. The beaches, recognised as being among the most outstanding in Europe, are each served with a comprehensive information panel, giving full details of amenities, flora and fauna.
The beaches are located as follows:
- Killala
- Ross Strand
- Westport
- Bertra Beach
- Louisburgh
- Old Head Beach
- Carramore Beach
- Mulranny
- Mulranny Beach
- Achill
- Keem Beach
- Keel Beach
- Dugort Beach
- Golden Strand
- Dooega Beach
- Belmullet
- Mullaghroe Beach
- Elly Bay Beach
- Clare Island
A Bit of History
The Blue Flag was born in France in 1985. ln that year 11 french municipalities were awarded the Blue Flag for their achievement of high bathing water quality and degree of waste water treatment.
The following year, 1986, the number of applicants increased more than fourfold, and 43 municipalities received the Blue Flag.
In 1987, the Blue Flag Campaign spread to nine more countries as an activity of the European Year of the Environment. The Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe started the European Campaign in co-operation with the Commission of the European Communities. There were 452 Blue Flag Awards in that first European year of the Campaign.
In the years that followed, the European Blue Flag Campaign continued to grow. By 1990, it had attracted double the number of applicants found in 1987. Moreover, the circle of participating countries expanded. Today, the Blue Flag flies in over 3200 beaches and marinas in 37 countries across the world.
For further information on Blue Flag beaches in Mayo, visit County Mayo's Beaches
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