Ballyronan Marina receives Blue Flag award for 9th year

by Gráinne Connolly

Ballyronan Marina on Lough Neagh has once again received a coveted Blue Flag award for its outstanding facilities and environmental management at this year’s Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful Awards.

The latest award marks the 9th in a row for the marina which first picked up the title in 2010.

Receiving the award on behalf of Mid Ulster District Council, Deputy Chair Councillor Mark Glasgow said,

“It’s an absolute privilege to accept the Blue Flag award for Ballyronan Marina on behalf of Mid Ulster District Council for an impressive 9th year in a row, and to be one of only two marinas to be awarded such an honour!

"This is a remarkable achievement not only for the marina itself but for the community on the lough shore, and in fact the district as a whole.

“As a Council at the heart of our community, we work together with individuals, community groups, schools and the voluntary sector across the year to achieve and maintain those standards.

"Mid Ulster has an environment which deserves to be protected, preserved and enhanced for the enjoyment of everyone.”

Ian Humphreys, Chief Executive of Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, said,

“We can turn up just about anywhere along Northern Ireland’s coastline and lough shores and know you will enjoy world beating scenery. 

"It is thanks to the hard work of dedicated beach and marina operators, achieving prestigious awards, that our experience is matched by impressive standards for facilities, cleanliness and safety that we all want and expect. 

"The pride they take in their work is evident for us all to see when we visit our own special places.”

Beaches and marinas with a Blue Flag are demonstrating their commitment to protecting the coastal environment, excellent water quality, safety, and access for all.

Blue Flag beaches and marinas also offer environmental education activities, as an important part of the award criteria.

Beaches and Marinas may only fly the Blue Flag if all the criteria are successfully met throughout the summer season.

Information on all the award winning beaches and marinas can be found at www.beachni.com.