Bettystown and Mornington Beaches have been awarded the Green Coast Award in recognition of excellent water quality and the efforts made by the local community to protect their natural, unspoilt environment. Cathaoirleach of Laytown/Bettystown Municipal District Cllr. Stephen McKee was recently joined by volunteers from the local community at a flag raising ceremony to mark this significant achievement.

The aim of the Green Coast Award is to recognise beaches of high environmental quality.  To achieve the award, beaches must have excellent water quality and have effective and appropriate management to ensure the protection of the natural environment. The Green Coast Award is a symbol of environmental excellence and has been established to acknowledge, promote and protect the environment of our beaches.

Cathaoirleach of Laytown/Bettystown MD, Cllr. Stephen McKee said, “I am delighted to be here today in recognition of the huge effort that is afforded by local community groups, support agencies and statutory bodies in the ongoing provision of the safe and well-maintained coastal areas of Bettystown and Mornington”.

Continuing Cllr. McKee added “In the case of Bettystown and Mornington, the local community take a keen interest in the protection of the local environment.  Some of the activities carried out by Bettystown Tidy Towns include coastal education sessions, marram grass planting days and litter picking with local schools, corporate organisations and local residents. Due to their efforts to protect these pristine locations, we are able to celebrate these wonderful and relaxing beaches all year-round”.

Speaking at the event Chief Executive of Meath County Council Fiona Lawless said “An important aspect in the achievement of this award is the involvement of the local volunteers who participate in community clean-ups and in cooperation with Meath County Council help manage our local beaches throughout the year.  I would like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to Bettystown Tidy Towns, the local community and all the volunteers for all their efforts in ensuring our beaches meet the high standards required to be awarded the Green Coast for the 2023 bathing season”.

Meath County Council would like to ask all beach users this summer to continue to be responsible, follow guidelines, be aware of dog restrictions and to leave nothing behind on the beach except their footprints.