Mayo falling behind with Blue Flag beaches

CONCERN has been expressed that Mayo is falling further behind with its Blue Flag beaches.

Five years ago is was second in the country for the number of flags held (12), but since 2017 the county has fallen to fifth place, with nine flags this year.

Councillor Jarlath Munnelly was critical of Mayo County Council's approach to Blue Flag beaches, telling the monthly meeting of the authority that they need a strategy going forward.

In 2017, he had called for Mayo County Council to develop a strategy for investment at beaches in the county, with the aim of increasing the overall numbers of Blue Flag and Green Coast beaches awarded. He was now reiterating a need for a strategy going forward.

In the last number of years the popularity of the beaches has increased, and the economic opportunities they bring are more obvious.

The council needs to invest in them and do better.

Councillor John O'Malley said septic tanks are an issue and that needs to be addressed immediately or there won't be flags where sewage is not treated.

Director of services John Condon said the strategy is to retain and recover flags that were lost before pursuing other beaches.

Positive samples were coming from Old Head, and a survey is being carried out in the Carrowmore beach catchment.

There are still some problems with water quality at Bertra where portaloos are being brought in to replace the existing public toilets, and it was hoped that will yield results.