Glasson Marina retains Blue Flag for 21st year
One of the owners of Quigley’s Marina in Glasson has said he is happy to retain the prestigious International Blue Flag status, a feat which the marina has now successfully done for over 20 years in a row.
Brian Quigley who operates the facility along with his sister Glenda Quigley said that nine marinas were granted Blue Flag status this year and that it's “nice to see” that the numbers are rising. He added that Quigley's Marina was usually just one of three or four marinas around the country with this international accreditation.
Mr Quigley said that it was great to retain the flag again this year and that there was a body of work involved in retaining the status. “There's a level of commitment to it. You've standards to meet,” explained Mr Quigley.
“We're always happy when we get the news that we've retained it.”An Taisce recently announced the International Blue Flag and Green Coast Award recipients for 2024. The awards were presented by Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Department of Education, Hildegarde Naughton, at a ceremony held in the Galway Bay Hotel overlooking Salthill Blue Flag beach on Friday, May 17.
The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised environmental awards. Originating in France in 1985 it was launched as an International programme as part of the European Year of the Environment in 1987. In 1988, the first year sites were awarded outside of France, 19 beaches and two marinas received the Blue Flag in Ireland. 2024 is the 37th year that beaches and marinas have been awarded here in Ireland, with 94 beaches and marinas being awarded for the 2024 season.
The programme aims to raise environmental awareness and promote sound environmental management of beaches, marinas and eco-tourism boats around the world. The 85 Irish beaches and nine marinas that have achieved this accolade must adhere to specific criteria related to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and site management for the duration of the bathing season.
The National Trust for Ireland is responsible for the operation of the Blue Flag programme in Ireland on behalf of the Foundation of Environmental Education.