Alan Farrell (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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246. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has engaged with An Taisce regarding the implications that the loss of blue flags in many Dublin North beaches will have on tourism in 2013 due to their policy of applying the EU Directive for water bathing quality four years retrospectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31113/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I understand that the Blue Flag is an international voluntary eco-label for beaches and marinas that is owned and run by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), a non-governmental organisation.  The scheme in Ireland is administered by An Taisce.

The Blue Flag programme is completely independent and the award of flags is solely a matter for FEE.  Neither I nor my Department has any role or authority in relation to the administration of the scheme or the award process.  I am advised that Fáilte Ireland is represented on the national jury, which passes on its award recommendations to the FEE’s International Jury for assessment.  Ultimately, however, it is FEE that then determines the Blue Flag awards based on specific defined criteria.

In terms of possible tourism implications, although the loss of blue flags at four north Dublin beaches is regrettable, it is very difficult to predict the impact (if any) on tourism in the area.  Several factors influence the use of beaches from year to year, the most significant being weather patterns.  Notwithstanding this position, I believe that local authorities around Ireland are fully aware of the value of Blue Flag beaches, particularly for domestic tourism, and I have every confidence that Fingal County Council will, in time, regain this award for the beaches in question.