A record 90 beaches across Ireland will raise Blue Flags this summer, up two on last year.
The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised eco-labels, and is awarded to bathing spots which meet strict criteria around water quality, facilities and safety.
Four areas lost their green coast award due to issues with water quality including Kilfarrassey in Waterford.
Ardmore, meanwhile, was awarded with the Blue Flag for the first time since 1997.
Councillor for the area Tom Cronin says that the new wastewater treatment plant for the area has played a big role.
"It's going to a big boost for the tourist trade in Ardmore," he says, "our treatment plant has been in operation from 2015 on, but there's a number of years that you would have to have the proper standard of water quality, and it takes 2 or 3 years for that to happen. That takes a number of years."
