http://www.antaisce.ie/educationRSS feeds for An Taisce's Education Unit60http://www.antaisce.ie/Others/News/tabid/334/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/122/An-Taisce-announce-76-International-Blue-Flag-Awards-46-National-Green-Coast-Awards-for-2010.aspx#Comments0http://www.antaisce.ie/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=334&ModuleID=641&ArticleID=122http://www.antaisce.ie/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=122&PortalID=4&TabID=334http://www.antaisce.ie/Others/News/tabid/334/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/122/An-Taisce-announce-76-International-Blue-Flag-Awards-46-National-Green-Coast-Awards-for-2010.aspx  Beach Awards Recognise Ireland’s Best Beaches An Taisce announce 76 International Blue Flag Awards 46 National Green Coast Awards for 2010 Today, An Taisce announced the International Blue Flag Award and the National Green Coast Award recipients for 2010. The awards were presented by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. John Gormley, T.D at an awards ceremony held on the Velvet Strand, Portmarnock in Fingal at 12 noon today. Blue Flag The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised eco-labels. The 74 Irish beaches and 2 marinas that achieved this accolade met a specific set of criteria related to water quality, environmental education and beach management. As a pre-requisite, the bathing water at Blue Flag beaches must meet the highest standards of bathing water quality. The overall Blue Flags in Ireland this year is down only one on 2009. While five beaches regained their Blue Flags; Maherabeg, Co. Kerry; Claycastle and Redbarn, Co. Cork; Rosses Point, Co. Sligo and Portmarnock in Fingal, Co. Dublin. Six others did not comply with the stringent Blue Flag criteria; Brittas Bay South, Co. Wicklow; Ross and Oldhead, Co. Mayo; Traught and Ceibh an Spidéal, Co. Galway and Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo. Green Coast Award The National Green Coast Award has seen another year of growth with an additional six beaches receiving the award for 2010. Green Coast Awards go to beaches for their, clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty. They may not have the necessary built infrastructure required to meet the criteria set for Blue Flag status however they are exceptional places to visit and enjoy our rich coastal heritage and diversity.  Patricia Oliver, Director An Taisce Environmental Education Unit, speaking at the awards said, “I would like to pay tribute to all the hard work that goes into achieving and maintaining these awards by Local Authorities and local communities, and particularly in this economic climate, I would encourage people to participate in caring for the fantastic beaches we have around the Irish coast this summer. From the beautiful beaches of Donegal in the north west to the welcoming beaches of Wexford in the sunny south east Ireland’s award beaches have something to offer everyone, with; excellent water quality; lifeguarded swimming areas; bustling promenades; world class surf; secluded bays and long biodiversity rich sandy shores - there really is something for everyone.” An Taisce would like to commend all coastal Local Authorities for their commitment in achieving the high environmental and quality standards required of Blue Flag and Green Coast Award beaches. Speaking at the awards Minister Gormley said, “I am delighted to be here in Portmarnock at the announcement of the Blue Flag and Green Coast awards for 2010. These awards are internationally recognised and are such an important signal of the quality of our beaches. The loss of a Blue Flag this year is disappointing but I would like to congratulate the successful candidates especially the five new beaches that made the cut: Redbarn and Claycastle in Co. Cork, Maherabeg in Co. Kerry, Rosses Point in Sligo and the Velvet Strand here in Portmarnock”.  A map showing all the award winning beaches with descriptions, directions, facilities and pictures can be found at www.beachawards.ie. For information on water quality results please visit the EPA’s website www.bathingwater.ie.For detailed information on all Blue Flag criteria please visit www.blueflag.org.     Ends For further information please contact: Patricia Oliver, Director An Taisce Environmental Education Unit:  087 2463929 Annabel Mc Loone, (Blue Flag & Green Coast Award Manager) 01- 4002210 amcloone@eeu.antaisce.org www.beachawards.ie   STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL 12pm on Monday 14th of June 2010 Photos will be available on Monday afternoon from Maxwell Photography Tel: +35318308072 or maxpics@eircom.net     Notes to the Editors The Blue Flag is administered in Ireland by An Taisce on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Blue Flag beaches are judged against a total of 32 criteria.  For further information on these criteria please see www.blueflag.org All award schemes use water quality information from samples taken in line with the EU Bathing Water Directive. The Blue Flag programme is funded in Ireland by the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government. 2010 is the third year that the Green Coast Award has been conducted nation-wide. The award had been piloted for the previous 5 years in the South East of the country as part of an Interreg III programme. The award forms one part of the two-part Clean Coast Programme the second of which is Coast Care. Coast Care encourages local community groups to get involved in the environmental management and protection of their local coastline. The programme can assist with this work by supplying materials, contacts and advice on coastal environmental issues. The Green Coast Award in funded by the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government and is supported by Fáilte Ireland, Coca-Cola and SECAD (South East Cork Area Development).     The breakdown of Blue Flags around the country: LOUTH – 3 FLAGS Louth County Council retains all 3 Blue Flags at Templetown, Port and Clogherhead. DUBLIN – 2 FLAGs Fingal County Council: Fingal has regained the Blue Flag for the Velvet Strand, Portmarnock. The last time the Blue Flag flew at the Velvet Strand was 1991. Dublin City: retains the Blue Flag for Dollymount in 2010. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council: No applications submitted. WICKLOW – 2 FLAGS Wicklow County Council retains the Blue Flag at Brittas Bay North and Greystones. The Blue Flag was lost at Brittas Bay South due to not meeting the Blue Flag Water Quality criteria. WEXFORD – 4 FLAGS Wexford County Council retained flags for 2010 at Courtown, Curracloe Morriscastle and Rosslare. WATERFORD – 2 FLAGS Waterford County Council retained the Blue Flag for Clonea Strand and Bunmahon. Tramore did not comply with all BF criteria. CORK – 10 FLAGS Cork County Council retained 8 flags at Garryvoe, Garretstown, Garrylucas, Inchydoney, Owenahincha, Warren, Tragumna, and Barleycove. Claycastle regained Blue Flag status after losing the BF in 2009. Redbarn has been awarded with the Blue Flag for the first time. KERRY – 13 FLAGS Kerry County Council retains 12 flags for Derrynane, Ballinskelligs, White Strand-Caherciveen, Kells, Rossbeigh, Inch, Ceann Trá, Fenit, Banna, Ballyheigue, Ballybunion North and Ballybunion South. Magherabeg regained the Blue Flag after losing it in 2009. CLARE – 8 FLAGS Clare County Council receives 8 flags for Doonbeg, Cappagh, Kilkee, White Strand-Miltown Malbay, Lahinch, and Fanore. Ballycuggeran and Mountshannon - 2 freshwater bathing areas on Lough Derg also retained their Blue Flags. GALWAY - 6 FLAGS Galway City Council retained 2 Blue Flags for Salthill and Silverstrand. Galway County Council receives 4 flags for Loughrea Lake, Trá Mhór Coill Rua, Trá an Doilín and Cill Muirbhithe. Céibh an Speideil and Traught have lost their Blue Flags due to non-compliance with BF bathing water criteria. MAYO – 11 FLAGS Mayo County Council retains 11 Blue flags for Bertra, Carrowmore, Clare Island, Mulranny, Dooega, Doogort, Keem, Keel, Golden Strand, Elly Bay, Mullaghroe. Both Ross and Oldhead lost their Blue Flags for 2010. SLIGO – 1 FLAG Sligo County Council receives one flag at Rosses point and loses the Blue Flag at Mullaghmore. DONEGAL – 12 FLAGS Bundoran Town Council retained the Blue Flag for its beach at Bundoran. Donegal County Council 11 retained Blue Flags flags for Murvagh, Rossnowlagh, Fintra, Narin-Portnoo, Carrickfinn, Marble Hill, Lisfannon, Portsalon, Killahoey, Shroove and Culdaff. 2010 BLUE FLAG MARINAS (2) The marinas awarded for 2010 are: Westmeath: Killinure Point Marina, Glasson. This marina is managed by the Quigley’s and Waveline. It is located on the inner lakes of Lough Ree on the Shannon. Wexford: Kilmore Quay Marina is operated by Wexford County Council and is our only coastal Blue Flag marina. The breakdown of Green Coast Awards around the country: LOUTH – None No applications for GCA. MEATH – 1 GCA Meath County Council received the GCA for Mornington Beach DUBLIN –  3 GCAs Fingal County Council: Fingal has received the GCA for the Velvet Strand, Portmarnock.  Dublin City: retains the GCA for Dollymount in 2010 and receives the GCA for Merrion Strand. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council: No applications for GCA. WICKLOW – None Wicklow County Council: Arklow South Beach did not retain GCA for 2010. WEXFORD – 4 GCAs Wexford County Council retained GCAs for 2010 at Old Bawn, Cahore, Ballinesker and Culleton’s Gap. Wexford lost GCAs at Cullenstown and Ballymoney. WATERFORD – 5 GCAs Waterford County Council received the GCA for Guillamene Cove, Boaststrand, Annestown, Goats Island and Ballyquin. The GCA was lost at the Curragh. CORK – 10 GCAs Cork County Council  achieved 8 new GCAs for Claycastle, Ballyrisode, Garryvoe, Ring, Rocky Bay, Cadogans Strand, Galley Cove and Gairnish. They also retained the GCA for Red strand and Inch. KERRY – 1 GCA Kerry County Council retained the GCA for Béal Bán. CLARE – None GALWAY –  6 GCAs Galway City Council retained the GCA for Salthill and Silver Strand. Galway County Council  received the GCA for Trá Inis Oirr, Dog’s Bay, East End Inisbofin, Dumhach Beach. MAYO – 4 GCAs Mayo County Council received GCA for Whitestrand, Termon, Srah and Carrowniskey. SLIGO – 4 GCAs Sligo County Council received GCAs for Dunmoran strand, Rosses point, Streedagh and Mullaghmore. DONEGAL – 8 GCAs Donegal County Council received GCAs for Dooey Beach, Trá Leadhb Garbh, Port Arthur, Magheroarty Beach, Drumnatinney, Ballyhernan, Ladies Bay and Rathmullan         International Press Release FEE / Blue Flag International Blue Flag jury awards for Europe, Morocco, Tunisia and Canada in 2010 The International Blue Flag Jury met on 23 April 2010 to review the Blue Flag candidates from the Northern hemisphere: Europe, Morocco, Tunisia and Canada. The International Jury decided to award the Blue Flag to 2884 beaches and 627 marinas in 33 countries in the northern hemisphere. For the first time the Blue Flag was awarded to beaches in Ukraine while sites in Trinidad & Tobago, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates are ready to join the programme with pilot sites. More detailed information about the 2010 awards will be published on the Blue Flag website www.blueflag.org on 5 June 2010. Every year, the National Blue Flag Jury studies in detail all the Blue Flag candidates, assuring their compliance with all beach and marina criteria on national and international level. Those accepted candidates are then forwarded to the International Jury, who focuses on certain criteria that vary from year to year, and give their final decision after having discussed and reviewed the candidates. The Blue Flag programme has always been a precursor for introducing environmental education, safety and services on its sites to the general public. Continuously striving towards higher standards, the Blue Flag decided in 2007 that it was time for a change in its bathing water quality criteria, therefore initiating an ongoing process of discussions with technical and scientific experts. A new international standard which could apply to all the participating countries worldwide was agreed upon. This year was the first year where the new bathing water quality criteria was tested and adopted by certain countries. In a transition phase and until 2012, the countries have the possibility to apply either the old or the new Blue Flag bathing water quality. The International Jury has been very pleased with the use of the new bathing water quality criteria for its first year. The International Blue Flag Jury will be meeting in September 2010, to evaluate the Blue Flag candidate beaches and marinas from South Africa, the countries of the Caribbean, Brazil and New Zealand. The International Blue Flag Jury is composed of representatives from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), International Lifesaving Federation (ILS), the European Environment Agency (EEA), European Union for Coastal Conservation (EUCC), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), an Environmental Education expert, the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) and the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The Blue Flag highly appreciates the good cooperation with its sponsors and would like to thank Corona Extra, Shipmate and BeachTech for their support over the years. Last but not least, the Blue Flag International Jury would like to congratulate all awarded sites for their commitment to the programme and invaluable willingness in bringing their sites to very high quality standards for the benefits of the public. Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) is an international organisation that has been promoting environmental education for sustainable development since 1981. FEE is an umbrella organisation with members in around 60 countries world-wide. FEE is active in environmental education mainly through five programmes: Blue Flag, Eco-Schools, Young Reporters for the Environment, Learning about Forests, and Green Key. More information about FEE and the FEE programmes can be found at www.fee-international.org.  hostMon, 14 Jun 2010 09:55:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:122http://www.antaisce.ie/Others/News/tabid/334/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/65/An-Taisce-announce-115-beach-awards-for-Ireland-and-a-new-beach-awards-website-wwwbeachawardsie.aspx#Comments0http://www.antaisce.ie/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=334&ModuleID=641&ArticleID=65http://www.antaisce.ie/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=65&PortalID=4&TabID=334http://www.antaisce.ie/Others/News/tabid/334/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/65/An-Taisce-announce-115-beach-awards-for-Ireland-and-a-new-beach-awards-website-wwwbeachawardsie.aspx  An Taisce have awarded 75 International Blue Flags and 40 National Green Coast Awards for 2009   An Taisce today announced the successful Blue Flag beach and Green Coast Awards recipients for 2008. The awards were presented by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. John Gormley, T.D., and Dr. Dave Foster, Director of the recently-established Northern Ireland Environment Agency, at a joint North/South awards ceremony on Dollymount Strand in Dublin City at 12noon today.   The second year of the National Green Coast Award has seen Republic of Ireland beaches receiving 115 Beach Awards: 75 Blue Flag and 40 Green Coast Awards and Northern Ireland receiving a total of 10: 6 Blue Flag and 4 Green Coast Awards. In addition to environmental, beach management, safety and services considerations, both awards have stringent water quality criteria which must be adhered to.   Seven Green Coast Awards have been added to last year’s figures. Cork County Council has participated for the first time and has attained Green Coast Awards for Inch Strand and Red Strand in the County.   The number of Blue Flags in the Republic of Ireland has decreased by three this year to 77: 75 for beaches and 2 for marinas. Losses were due to sites failing to meet the Blue Flag Water Quality Criteria which can be attributed to heavy rainfall during the 2008 bathing season. Heavy rainfall causes increased run off and puts pressure on Waste Water Treatment Plants which has a knock-on effect on the quality of water at bathing areas.   The recipients of the An Taisce Individual Coastcare Merit Award and the Coca Cola Coastcare Group Merit Award were also announced.The Merit Awards recognise outstanding effort and or achievement by an Individual and a Coastcare Group throughout the preceding year. Group of the year for 2008/9 is Arklow Coastcare Group and the Individual of the year is Máirie O’Brien of the Portmarnock Beach Committee.   At the event An Taisce announced the introduction of a new beach awards website for Ireland. The site has information on all award beaches in the country as well as information on the awards and bathing water quality. The address is www.beachawards.ie   For further information, please contact: Patricia Oliver, Director An Taisce Education: 087 2463929 Jimmy McVeigh, Blue Flag Manager: 086 2283690; Aidan Gray, Clean Coast Manager: 087 6826934               2009 Main Points   Blue Flag Details: 83 Applications Received. 75 Beaches and 2 Marinas Awarded for 2009. Clogherhead has received its first Blue Flag Award for 11 years in 2009. Greystones has had its Blue Flag reinstated for this year. 5 Beaches (Enniscrone, Rosses Point, Magherabeg, Redbarn and Duncannon) have entered a Blue Flag pilot phase which makes them eligible for awards in 2010 if they achieve appropriate water quality and fulfil all Blue Flag Criteria during 2009. 4 beaches (Killiney, Portrane, Magherabeg and Claycastle) lost their Blue Flags because of failure to meet the very stringent Blue Flag water quality standards. Seapoint did not apply for a Blue Flag this year. International Blue Flag Awards are supported in the Republic of Ireland by the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government. Green Coast Award Details: 40 Beaches have been awarded the Green Coast Award for 2009. This compares with 33 for 2008. 2009 is the second year that the Green Coast Award has been conducted nation-wide. The award was piloted for 5 years in the South East of the country as part of an Interreg III programme 56 applications were received for the awards. The majority of those that were unsuccessful, failed on water quality criteria, while the remainder were rejected on beach management grounds The award scheme was extended to Northern Ireland during 2009 and is administered by Tidy Northern Ireland. There will be 4 awards in Northern Ireland for 2009 The award forms one part of the two-part Clean Coast Programme the second of which is Coast Care. Coast Care encourages local community groups to get involved in the environmental management and protection of their local coastline. The programme can assist with this work by supplying materials, contacts and advice on coastal environmental issues. An Taisce are also presenting two merit awards to a group and an individual who have been influential in improving their local coastal environment: These are Arklow Coastcare Group and Máire O’Brien, Portmarnock Beach Committee. The Clean Coasts Programme is sponsored in the Republic of Ireland by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Coca-Cola Bottlers Ireland and Fáilte Ireland The programme is sponsored in Northern Ireland by Coca-Cola Bottlers Northern Ireland     AWARD DETAILS FOLLOW:   2009 BLUE FLAG AWARDEES – Republic of Ireland   LOUTH – 3 FLAGS Louth County Council retains both its Blue Flags at /Templetown and Port and gained a flag for Clogherhead   DUBLIN – 1 FLAG Fingal County Council: Fingal lost the Blue Flag for Portrane. Donnabate had previously lost the Blue Flag status, as the water quality did not reach EU guideline values. Dublin City: retains the Blue Flag for Dollymount in 2009. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council: lost the flag at Killiney and no application was submitted for Seapoint.   WICKLOW – 3 FLAGS Wicklow County Council retains flags at Brittas Bay North and Brittas Bay South. Greystones regains the Blue Flag in 2009.   WEXFORD – 4 FLAGS Wexford County Council Retained flags for 2009 at Courtown, Curracloe Morriscastle and Rosslare.   WATERFORD – 2 FLAGS Waterford County Council retained a flag for Clonea Strand. Bunmahon regained its Blue flag status while Dunmore East lost the Blue Flag as the water quality did not reach EU guideline values.   CORK – 8 FLAGS Cork County Council retains 8 flags at Garryvoe, Garretstown, Garrylucas, Inchydoney, Owenahincha, Warren, Tragumna, and Barleycove. Claycastle, Youghal lost the Blue Flag as the water quality did not reach EU guideline values.   KERRY – 12 FLAGS Kerry County Council retains 12 flags for Derrynane, Ballinskelligs, White Strand-Caherciveen, Kells, Rossbeigh, Inch, Ceann Trá, Fenit, Banna, Ballyheigue, Ballybunion North and Ballybunion South. Magherabeg lost it flag due to failing to meet Water Quality standards in 2009.   CLARE – 8 FLAGS Clare County Council receives 8 flags for Doonbeg, Cappagh, Kilkee, White Strand-Miltown Malbay, Lahinch, and Fanore. Ballycuggeran and Mountshannon - 2 freshwater bathing areas on Lough Derg also retained their Blue Flags.   GALWAY - 8 FLAGS Galway City Council retained 2 Blue Flags for Salthill and Silverstrand. Galway County Council receives 6 flags for Traught, Loughrea Lake, Trá Mhór Coill Rua, Trá an Doilín, Cill Muirbhithe and Céibh an Speideil.   MAYO – 13 FLAGS Mayo County Council retains all 13 Blue flags for Old Head, Bertra, Carrowmore, Clare Island, Mulranny, Dooega, Doogort, Keem, Keel, Golden Strand, Elly Bay, Mullaghroe, Ross.   SLIGO – 1 FLAG Sligo County Council retains one flag at Mullaghmore.   DONEGAL – 12 FLAGS Bundoran Town Council receives the flag for its beach at Bundoran. Donegal County Council receives 11 flags for Murvagh, Rossnowlagh, Fintra, Narin-Portnoo, Carrickfinn, Marble Hill, Lisfannon, Portsalon, Killahoey, Shroove and Culdaff   2009 BLUE FLAG MARINAS (2) The marinas awarded for 2009 are:   Westmeath: Killinure Point Marina, Glasson. This marina is managed by the Quigley’s and Waveline. It is located on the inner lakes of Lough Ree on the Shannon.   Wexford: Kilmore Quay Marina is operated by Wexford County Council and is our only coastal Blue Flag marina.       A full list of awards follows on the next page: Blue Flag Beaches 2009 - Republic of Ireland       CLARE (8) Galway (6)   Cappa Pier - Kilrush An Spideal Ceibh an Spideil DONEGAL (12) Kilkee Loughrea Long Point Rossnowlagh White Strand Miltown Malbay An Tra mhor Coill Rua Inverin Bundoran Fanore Ballyvaughan Cill Ronan, Aran Cill Mhuirbthe Laghy Murvagh Lahinch An Ceathrú Rua Tra an Doilin Narin-Portnoo Mountshannon Traught Kinvara Fintra Killybegs Ballycuggeran Kilaloe   Stroove Whitestrand Doonbeg GALWAY CITY (2) Anagary Carrickfinn     Marble Hill - Dunfanaghy LOUTH (3) Silverstrand Killahoey - Dunfanaghy Templetown Salthill Fanad Portsalon Port   Fahan lisfannon Clogherhead MAYO (13) Culdaff   Louisburg Carrowmore   WICKLOW (3) Louisburg Oldhead KERRY (12) Greystones South Mulranny Ballinskelligs Brittas Bay North Achill Dooega Rossbeigh Glenbeigh Brittas Bay South Achill Doogort Derrynane   Achill Keem Whitestrand/Caherciveen   Achill Keel Kells Bay Caherciveen WATERFORD (2) Achill Golden Strand Ventry Clonea Belmullet Elly Bay Ardfert Banna Bunmahon Mullaghroe Fenit   Killala Ross Ballyheigue   Murrisk Bertra Ballybunion Nth CORK (8) Clare Island The Harbour Ballybunion Sth Barleycove   Inch Tragumna Skibbereen SLIGO (1)   Owenahincha Mullaghmore Dublin City (1) The Warren   Dollymount Strand Garretstown WEXFORD (4) MARINAS (2) Garrylucas Whitesstrand Courtown Wexford Inchydoney Curracloe Kilmore Quay Garryvoe Shanagary Rosslare   Westmeath   Morriscastle Quigley’s                                                                                             Green Coasts Award                               Winners 2009     Republic of Ireland   COUNTY BEACH Cork Red Strand Cork Inch Strand DLR Sandycove Donegal Ballyhernan Donegal Drumnatinney Donegal Ladies Bay Donegal Port Arthur Donegal Rathmullan Donegal Dooey Beach Donegal Magheroarty Beach Dublin Dollymount Beach Galway City Salthill Galway City Silverstrand Galway County Aillebrack, Ballyconneely Galway County Dog’s Bay Roundstone Galway County East End Inisbofin Galway County Tra Inis Oirr Galway County Dumhach Beach Mayo Whitestrand Mayo Termon COUNTY BEACH Mayo Silverstrand Mayo Portacloy Mayo Srah Mayo Ballycastle Beach Meath Mornington Sligo Streedagh Sligo Dunmoran Strand Waterford Annestown Waterford Ballyquin Waterford Curragh Waterford Goat Island Waterford Guillamene Cove Waterford Boatstrand Beach Wexford Cullenstown Wexford Old Bawn Wexford Culleton’s Gap Wexford Ballymoney Wexford Ballinesker Wexford Cahore Beach Wicklow Arklow South Beach   International Blue Flag Press Release:   The Blue Flag Programme 2009   The International Blue Flag Jury had its annual meeting on 23 April 2009 to decide on Blue Flag candidates from Europe, Morocco, Tunisia and Canada. The International Jury decided to award the Blue Flag to 2699 beaches and 639 marinas in 34 countries in the Northern Hemisphere. For the first time the Blue Flag was awarded to beaches in Malta and Belgium-Wallonia. Belgium-Wallonia was also the first country in Blue Flag history to receive the Blue Flag without going through the pilot phase. More detailed information about the 2009 awards will be published on the Blue Flag website www.blueflag.org on June 5, 2009.   Every year, the International Blue Flag Coordination conducts a detailed evaluation of selected Blue Flag sites, focusing each time on a slightly different set of spot-check criteria, which is then presented to the International Blue Flag Jury.   This year, selected Blue Flag marina candidates were evaluated in detail to ensure compliance with the criteria concerning the hazardous waste facilities in the marina, the presence of a map indicating all required facilities and environmental education activities. Selected beach candidates were evaluated in detail to ensure the posting of information concerning the presence of a map indicating all required facilities, environmental education activities and compliance with the water quality criterion regarding limit values and sampling frequency. Also evaluated this year was the presence of the common information board, the composition of the national juries, the outcome of control visits in 2008 and the planning of control visits for 2009. The Jury also re-evaluated dispensations cases from 2008, complaints from 2008 and special dispensation cases for 2009.   At the next International Jury meeting in September 2009, the outcome of the evaluation of Blue Flag candidate beaches and marinas from South Africa, the countries of the Caribbean, Brazil and New Zealand will be presented.   The International Jury is composed of representatives from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), International Lifesaving Federation (ILS), European Union for Coastal Conservation (EUCC), the World Conservation Union (IUCN), an Environmental Education expert, the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) and the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).   The Blue Flag highly appreciates the good cooperation with our sponsors and is pleased to announce the new collaboration with Corona Extra – Save the Beach campaign (www.coronasavethebeach.org/).   The campaign is focusing on endangered beaches and the Blue Flag is looking forward to a fruitful alliance. ***** FEE - Foundation for Environmental Education is a network of national non-governmental and non-profit organisations representing 58 countries worldwide that are promoting environmental education. Each national member organisation is responsible for undertaking the FEE programmes (Blue Flag, Eco-Schools, Young Reporters for the Environment, Learning about Forests and Green Key) on the national level. More information about FEE and the FEE programmes can be found at www.feeinternational.org.   ENDS     hostWed, 03 Jun 2009 11:01:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:65http://www.antaisce.ie/Others/News/tabid/334/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/53/Carbon-Calculator-Helps-GreenSchools-Save-over-7700-Tonnes-of-Carbon.aspx#Comments61http://www.antaisce.ie/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=334&ModuleID=641&ArticleID=53http://www.antaisce.ie/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=53&PortalID=4&TabID=334http://www.antaisce.ie/Others/News/tabid/334/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/53/Carbon-Calculator-Helps-GreenSchools-Save-over-7700-Tonnes-of-Carbon.aspx  Carbon Calculator Helps Green-Schools Save over 7,700 Tonnes of Carbon   Repak launches schools carbon calculator with the Green-Schools office of An Taisce. 346 new schools achieve their Green Flag status over the last year. Green-Schools programme helps contribute to savings of over €2 million for participating schools and saves over 200 million litres of water. Repak’s sponsorship of An Taisce’s Green Schools programme helps it grow with 420 new registrations during the last school year bringing the total number of schools participating to 3,109. Green-Schools throughout the country have helped save enough water to fill 85 Olympic sized swimming pools, enough petrol to power a car for 5 million kilometres, enough energy to power a light bulb for 1.4 million days and enough waste to fill over 1,000 bin trucks.  These statistics were revealed at the launch of the Repak Green-Schools Carbon Calculator (http://www.greenschoolsireland.org) which took place in Croke Park and coincided with the awarding by An Taisce of a number of Green- Flags to schools that have successfully implemented the seven step programme. The free online tool helps schools calculate and reduce their carbon footprint and was developed as part of Repak’s €1 million sponsorship of the Green-Schools programme.  The web based programme allows schools to easily input their recycling and waste data along with water and energy consumption to produce an overall carbon footprint report.  The report details the schools and individuals footprint and also shows how it compares against the national average figure.  It also gives detailed breakdowns for the carbon footprint for each of the different areas (waste, energy, water). Repak’s sponsorship of the Green-Schools programme aims to help An Taisce increase participation from the current level of 75% of all schools in Ireland to over 95% over the next 5 years.   In 2008 there were 420 new registrations to the Greens-Schools programme with 346 new schools awarded the prestigious Green Flag. There are now a total of 3,109 schools participating representing 645,000 students and 44,000 teachers. It is estimated that the Green-Schools programme for the current school year has helped save: 7,700 tonnes of carbon emissions. €2 million in direct costs. 3.5 million units of electricity. 200 million litres of water. 2,100 tonnes of waste diverted from landfill. Commenting on the launch of the carbon calculator, Andrew Hetherington, CEO of Repak said “An Taisce’s Green-Schools programme is one of the most successful Eco-Schools programmes that take place in 55 countries.  We recognise this and the greater impact the programme has on the wider community in changing behaviour. It is estimated that the programme achieves a ‘home impact multiplier effect’ which means that the impact in student’s homes and in the wider community is probably a factor of 5-10 times the reduction achieved in the schools.  This calculator was specifically designed for schools as a tool to help them assess their impact on the environment and to take steps to achieve real change.   Students take home the knowledge they have learned in school such as recycling and energy reductions and pass this onto parents and other family members. This tool is part of our commitment to environmental education and builds on our publically assessable household carbon calculator available on www.repak.ie <http://www.repak.ie> .”    The success of the Green-Schools programme and the Repak Schools Carbon Calculator is being enjoyed by Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal in Lanesborough, Longford. After implementing the water theme of their Green-Schools programme they are saving over 2m litres of water per annum. This is over 90% of their previous water usage. By using the Repak Schools Carbon Calculator they can calculate that the water saved amounts to 200 tonnes of carbon, the equivalent weight of 40 bull elephants. Cathy Baxter Green-Schools Manager for Ireland added “We are delighted with the ongoing success of the Green-Schools programme in Ireland and the support we are receiving from Repak and our other partners and sponsors; the Department of Transport, Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government, Local Authorities, ESB Independent Energy and the Wrigley Co. Ltd.  The research data on waste, energy, water and transport that we have recently collated and we estimate at a minimum value of over 2 million euro per year really does show the value of the programme not to mention the impact on the students involved and their wider communities”   In 2007 Repak managed to recycle 603,000 tonnes of packaging resulting in the equivalent of 463,000 tonnes of carbon savings. Since Repak was established in 1997, over 3 million tonnes of used packaging has been diverted from landfill, resulting in approximately 2.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent savings.  The organisation also launched the first Irish publicly accessible online carbon calculator in 2007 available on www.repak.ie.   Additional notes Green-Schools, (internationally known as Eco-schools), is an international environmental education and management programme, and award scheme that promotes and acknowledges long-term, whole-school action for the environment. The programme is an initiative of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and is operated in Ireland by An Taisce (FEE member for Ireland). The programme currently operates in over 50 countries and has over 27,000 schools participating. In Ireland the Green-Schools programme to date has achieved: Over 3,100 schools participating Over 1,500 Green-Flags awarded. 645,000 students and 44,000 teachers in the programme 500,000 litres of petrol are saved per annum from the transport theme of Green-Schools. In total 75% of Irish schools are part of Green-Schools. The Schools Carbon Calculator is available from (http://www.greenschoolsireland.org) and www.repak.ie <http://www.repak.ie> .   About Repak Repak is a not-for-profit voluntary member’s based packaging recycling scheme established under a voluntary agreement between industry and the Department of the Environment and Local Government. It was established as industry’s response to the obligations placed on Ireland by the EU directive on Packaging Waste (94/62/EC) and is the only government approved packaging compliance scheme under the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations 1997.  Repak succeeded in reaching and exceeding Ireland’s EU National Packaging Recovery and Recycling Target of 25% of packaging waste in 2001 and also met the 2005 target of 50%. The 2011 EU target for Repak is 60% which has already been met and exceeded with a result of 64% of packaging recycled in 2007.     hostThu, 19 Mar 2009 15:11:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:53