Monitoring of water quality in Ireland in designated bathing sites is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the European Council Directive concerning the quality of bathing water (76/160/EEC). The purpose of this directive is to ensure that bathing water quality is maintained, and if necessary improved, so that it complies with specified standards designed to protect public health and the environment. This directive has been given effect in Ireland through the enactment European Communities (Quality of Bathing Water) Regulations, 1988, which have been subsequently amended and superseded by regulations made in 1989, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998 and 2001.
Analysis of bathing water in respect of the directive is separate from - although complementary to - the European Blue Flag Scheme. This is a voluntary scheme administered in Ireland by An Taisce (the National Trust for Ireland) and at the European level by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). To receive a Blue Flag, a bathing site must maintain a high degree of water quality. In addition, it must meet specified criteria with regard to the provision of safety services and facilities, environmental management of the beach area and environmental education. Award winners can fly a blue flag during the bathing season from the beginning of June to the end of September.
Bathing Water Monitoring
In 2007, ten blue flag beaches in County Cork have reached the very stringent standards required to fly the blue flag:
- Youghal - Claycastle
- Youghal -Front Strand
- Garryvoe
- Garretstown
- Garrylucas
- Inchydoney
- Owenahincha
- Warren
- Tragumna
- Barleycove
These beaches are maintained to the relevant standard with car parking, public toilets, beachguards and environmental information/activities during the summer months by the County Council through the relevant Area Engineer's office. The necessary water quality monitoring and maintenance of the Blue Flag award is the responsibility of the Environment Section of the Council based at Inniscarra.
