Three coastal locations throughout Newry, Mourne and Down receive blue flag awards

THREE Coastal locations within Newry, Mourne and Down have been included on the list of names for receipt of the prestigious Blue Flag Award 2023.

Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, the charity that administer the award, announced that Cranfield Bay, Murlough Beach and Tyrella Beach earned the prestigious Blue Flag Award distinction after reaching world-class standards in criteria that includes water quality, safety, accessibility, cleanliness and environmental education.

27 quality markers for blue spaces were shared across councils, with Causeway Coast and Glens claiming 12 awards and Mid and East Antrim landing three Blue Flags and three Seaside Awards. 

There were also five flags for aquatic spots in Ards and North Down, while Mid Ulster retained its Blue Flag status for the 14th consecutive year.

Dr Ian Humphreys, CEO of Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful said:

"We are extremely pleased that Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has achieved three Blue Flag Awards. Each flag is a symbol that these special places are managed to an excellent standard and an important trust signal to the public that they can expect a high-quality experience when they visit one of these award-winning sites.

"At a time when budgets are tight and difficult decisions are never far away, we want to thank the council for continuing to invest in our beaches that are much loved and valued by tourists and people at home alike."

Council staff, including beach operators, were invited to collect the awards at a presentation ceremony in The Arcadia, Portrush on Thursday 25 May. The occasion was organised by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, who manage the accreditations locally. 

The award-winning locations will now have their respective flags in place for the duration of the Northern Ireland bathing season, which runs from 01 June to 15 September.

To see the full list of Blue Flag Award and Seaside Award winners, visit www.keepnorthernirelandbeautiful.org