Government Criticised As Lahinch Beach Loses Blue Flag

A north Clare Fine Gael councillor is blaming successive governments - including his own party - for the loss of his local beach's blue flag. An Taisce has confirmed that Ballycuggeran, Cappagh Pier, Fanore, Kilkee, Mountshannon Lough Derg, Spanish Point, White Strand Doonbeg and White Strand Miltown Malbay have all retained blue flag status at this year's awards ceremony. Lahinch is the only beach in the county bestowed with the status in 2025 which hasn't held onto it this year. Local Fine Gael Councillor Bill Slattery has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons he believes the State has failed to adequately maintain local wastewater treatment infrastructure.