It looks likely that the Blue Flag, the international excellent water bathing quality designation, will be restored next year -  to both Old Head and Bertra beaches in West Mayo.

That was the welcome news received by councillors at this week’s monthly meeting of the Westport/Belmullet Municipal District.

The Blue flag was lost at Bertra last year, and Old Head has been a decade without the status.

Westport Fine Gael councillor Peter Flynn says the improvement in the quality of the bathing water in both locations is very welcome. However, he says promised essential infrastructure at two other beaches in the Municiapl District have not been delivered on. 1.7 million euro in funding was secured last year for toilet facilities at both Carrowmore and Keel beaches and despite the monies in place,no planning application has been submitted by Mayo County Council for either development.

He has called for action by Mayo County Council on both facilities.

Cllr Flynn has been telling Midwest News Editor Teresa O’Malley why the restoration of Blue Flags at both Old Head and Bertra is important…