Redbarn Beach in Youghal, East Cork today (22nd May 2017) was officially designated with ‘blue flag’ status for 2017. Redbarn was the only beach throughout the East Cork Coastline to receive the accolade. The Blue Flag, operated in Ireland by An Taisce, is one of the world’s most recognised eco-labels. Youghal’s other main beaches; Claycastle and Front Strand were deemed to be of ‘good’ and ‘sufficient’ water quality respectively by the EPA, which will be very welcome news for the town as it gears up for the start of the traditional tourism season.
The awards were presented by Senator Jerry Buttimer at a ceremony held at the Royal Cork Yacht Club in Crosshaven, Co. Cork. Speaking at the event Senator Buttimer said: “The Blue Flag has become a truly global symbol with an ever-increasing number of countries participating in the programme. Over the years, the programme has become a highly respected and recognised eco-label working to bring together the tourism and environmental sectors. I am very honoured to be associated with the prestigious Blue Flag programme on its 30th anniversary and to present the awards to this year’s very worthy recipients.” Concluded the Senator.
Redbarn beach is a key location for families from around the country with the Quality Hotel and Self Catering Apartments situated on the beach front. Expectations are high in the East Cork Town for a bumper tourist season in 2017. Welcoming the awarding of the blue flag to Youghal, Manager of Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Development, Siobhan Sheehan believes the good news will only further enhance Youghal’s reputation as one of the finest coastal locations in the country. “Youghal’s water quality is now officially among the best in the country, said Siobhan. Our visitor numbers to the town are already up significantly on last year. This year we have had the opening of the iconic Youghal Clock Gate Tower as a visitor attraction so we now have even more reasons than ever to come to Youghal. We are also looking forward to the roll out of our new pontoon to add to our visitor moorings which were installed last year”. Said Siobhan.