Cllr Anne Ferris, Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District said, “I’m absolutely delighted that Bray has regained the Blue Flag status for 2020. This is the fourth consecutive year that our bathing waters have achieved 100% compliance with EU standards and not to mention that our stunning beach is well managed, safe and accessible for beach users.”
“A big thanks to many local voluntary community organisations like Bray Tidy Towns and Bray Coastcare as well as Wicklow County Council outdoor staff, council executive and local councillors who have always been committed to ensuring high standards are maintained along Bray seafront which is a major asset to the town.”
About Bray Beach
The beach is located in the north of County Wicklow, adjacent to the border with County Dublin. The beach is on the seafront of Bray Town and is a 10-minute walk from Bray Main Street and 2 minutes from Bray Dart Train Station. The Beach stretches between Bray Head to the South and Bray Harbour to the North. The designated Blue Flag area makes up the Southern half and is 1000m long. The first 20 metres of beach seaward is shingle and steep sloping. Closer to the water’s edge, the beach is gently sloping with sand and pebbles.
The 2020 bathing season has begun and the Lifeguard service is currently active from 11 am daily. Lifeguards will be on patrol in Bray (North & South Prom).
90 beaches and marinas in Ireland have received the prestigious Blue Flag award for 2020
Announcing the awards, Ian Diamond, Coastal Awards Manager with An Taisce’s Environmental Education Unit, said it is important to bear in mind the “additional pressure” being put on local authorities to manage beaches during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“With unprecedented numbers forced to stay at home for the past few months from work and school we must be cognisant of the challenges facing those managing our beaches,” Mr Diamond said.
“In the same manner as we have all worked together against Covid-19 we must all exercise personal responsibility to enjoy our beaches in a safe and sustainable way.”
About the Blue Flag
The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised eco-labels. The Blue Flag originated in France in 1985 when French coastal Local Authorities were awarded with the Blue Flag for compliance with sewage treatment and bathing water quality criteria. 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 2 marinas received the Blue Flag in Ireland.
The programme aims to raise environmental awareness and promote sound environmental management of beaches, marinas and eco-tourism boats around the world. The 80 Irish beaches and 8 marinas that have achieved this accolade must adhere to specific criteria related to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and site management.
An Taisce – 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 (FEE). 49 Countries operate the Blue Flag programme globally and more than 4500 sites and eco-tourism boats will be awarded in 44 countries this year.
The Blue Flag programme in Ireland is supported by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.
See beachawards.ie/blue-flag/ for more information.