Page 90 - Donegal CC An Rpt 19

Donegal County Council Annual Report 2019
Rossnowlagh Boardwalk
Beach Management
There were 142 Designated Bathing Areas (DBAs) nationally in 2019, with 21 of these (almost 15%) in Donegal. Of the 21 DBA’s in Donegal tested for water quality, a number received additional management, adhering to strict promotional initiatives such as Green Coast and Blue Flag awards.
In 2019 Donegal was awarded 13 Blue Flags with 11 at beaches and 2 for marinas at Greencastle and Rathmullan. The beaches awarded Blue Flags were at Carrickfinn, Culdaff, Downings, Fintra, Killahoey, Marble Hill, Murvagh, Narin, Portsalon, Rossnowlagh and Stroove.
Four beaches also received Green Coast awards at Ballyhiernan, Dooey, Drumatinney and Magheroarty.
Beach wheelchairs were also proving
very popular at Rathmullan, Marble Hill,
Downings, Carrickfinn, Rosnowlagh and
Narin. It is planned that other beaches will soon be provided with this important service.
Rosnowlagh Boardwalk
Rossnowlagh Blue Flag beach had a major investment to improve access from its main car park. A new boardwalk was installed, accessible to all beach users.
Water Safety
Lifeguards were employed on all Blue Flag Beaches as well as Rathmullan over the bathing season. There is an ongoing maintenance programme for ringbuoys where they are repaired/replaced as necessary around the coastline.
Contributions are made to local search and rescue groups in the county and working relations with the Irish Coastguard were strengthened to improve water safety along the coastline.