The east coast of the country was the big loser when the winners of the International Blue Flags Beaches were announced this morning.
The announcements were made at a news conference given by An Taisce, and attended by the Minister for the Environment, Martin Cullen.
Wicklow lost two of its three Blue Flags due to problems at Brittas Bay while Portrane in Dublin wasn't in compliance with European standards.
The only good news was that Seapoint at Dún Laoghaire regained a Blue Flag after having lost it last year.
Mayo and Kerry secured most Blue Flags with thirteen each followed by eleven for Donegal, ten for Cork, eight for Clare, six for Galway, four for Wexford, two for Waterford and Sligo, one for Wicklow, Donegal UDC and Westmeath.
Meanwhile, three key resorts in the North have been stripped of their Blue Flag status for the same reason.
They are Portrush East Strand in Co Antrim, Portstewart Strand in Co Derry and Millisle Lagoon, Co Down.
