Flag Raising Ceremony held in

Bettystown and Mornington Beaches have been awarded the Green Coast Award in recognition of excellent water quality and the efforts madebythelocalcommunity to protect their natural,unspoiltenvironment.

Cathaoirleach of Lay- town/Bettystown Municipal District Cllr. Stephen McKeewasrecentlyjoined 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 recog- nise beaches of high environmental quality. To achieve the award, beaches must have excellentwaterqualityandhave effective and appropriate managementtoensurethe protection of the natural environment. The Green CoastAwardisasymbolof environmental excellence and has been established to acknowledge, promote and protect the environmentofourbeaches.

Cathaoirleach of Laytown/BettystownMD,Cllr. StephenMcKeesaid,“Iam delighted to be here today in recognition of the huge effortthatisaffordedbylocal community groups, support agencies and statutory bodies in the ongoing provision of the safe and well-maintained coastalareasofBettystown andMornington”.

Continuing Cllr. McKee added “In the case of Bettystown and Mornington, thelocalcommunitytakea keeninterestintheprotection of the local environment.” Some of the activities carried out by Bettystown Tidy Towns include coastal education sessions,marramgrassplanting 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 beachesallyear-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 volunteerswhoparticipate in community clean-ups and in cooperation with Meath County Council help manage our local beaches throughout the year.” “Iwouldliketotake 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, to please be aware of dog restrictions and to leave nothing behind on the beach except their footprints.