All of Waterford’s top beaches have retained their Blue Flag awards this year.

Ardmore, Clonea, Tramore and the two strands in Dunmore East continue to reach the EU standards for beach excellence.

Just three Irish beaches lost their flags this year – Bundoran in Donegal and Berta and Golden Strand in Mayo

A report said Bundoran was “unsuccessful due to failure to meet the required water quality standard”.

Mayo County Council did not apply for Blue Flag status for Berta and Golden Strand.

Both beaches achieved a good water quality in 2018 but the Blue Flag status requires a classification of excellent water quality.

A total of 88 Blue Flags were given to 80 beaches and eight marinas in 2019.

Rathmullan Marina in Donegal received an award for the first time.

The number of sites to receive the award is down two on the 2018 total.

Originating in France, the Blue Flag award recognises compliance with sewage treatment and bathing water quality criteria. An Taisce is responsible for the operation of the programme in Ireland.

Green Coast Award

Elsewhere, 62 beaches were award a Green Coast Award, the highest number in Ireland to date.

The award recognises beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty.

Annestown, Ballquin, Curragh, Goat Island Beach, Guillamene Cove and Newtown Cove all received the award this year.

Seapoint in Termonfeckin and Rinroe in Co Mayo are both first-time recipients of the award in 2019.

Seapoint is the first site in Co Louth to receive a Green Coast Award.

Cadogan’s Strand in Cork has regained a Green Coast Award for the first time in eight years.