Following the successes of both Bettystown and Mornington beaches at the International Blue Flag and National Green Coast Awards last month, the Cathaoirleach of the Laytown/Bettystown Municipal District Cllr Paddy Meade was joined by volunteers from the local community and personnel from Meath County Council at a flag raising ceremony at Bettystown Beach on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
The International Blue Flag and National Green Coast Awards recognise the best beaches in Ireland. Building on their successes from 2024, Bettystown Beach retained their Blue Flag Award for 2025, while both Bettystown Beach and Mornington Beach were awarded Green Coast Awards.
The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised environmental awards. The programme aims to raise environmental awareness and promote sound environmental management of beaches, marinas and eco-tourism boats around the world. Recipients of this award must adhere to specific criteria related to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and site management for the duration of the bathing season.
The Green Coast Award recognises beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty. Green Coast Award sites are recognised as exceptional places to visit to enjoy rich coastal heritage and diversity.
An important aspect of the Green Coast Awards is the involvement of voluntary Clean Coasts groups, who participate in community clean-ups and help manage the applicant beaches in cooperation with Local Authorities. The main purpose of the Green Coast Award programme is to foster partnerships within communities in an effort to protect and enhance local coastal environs, and to celebrate the efforts of those communities.
Bettystown Beach was one of only 10 beaches nationwide to receive both Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards, while Bettystown and Mornington were part of the small group of just 70 beaches nationwide to receive Green Coast Awards.
Speaking at the flag-raising ceremony, Cathaoirleach of the Laytown/Bettystown MD Cllr Paddy Meade said: "I am delighted to be here today to recognise and celebrate the huge efforts of all the local community groups and volunteers who, in cooperation with Meath County Council, have ensured Bettystown and Mornington are among the top beaches in the country yet again this year."
Chief Executive of Meath County Council Kieran Kehoe said: "These prestigious awards provide extra reassurance to beach goers and swimmers regarding the local environment and water quality and reaffirms our little stretch of coastline as an exceptional place to visit for any tourists coming to Meath.
"This doesn't happen by accident. I want to commend the fantastic ongoing work of local community groups and volunteers and our own dedicated Beach Wardens and team in Environment and Laytown Bettystown MD to ensure the enduring and deserved successes of Bettystown and Mornington on the national stage."