LIFE'S a beach in Kerry, according to the adjudicators of a European competition to rate beaches and marinas.
The county has retained its 13 blue flags for the quality of its beaches and one marina site and Kerry remains the pacesetter for other counties in Ireland to follow.
The awards were presented by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Martin Cullen, at a special ceremony in Dun Laoghaire.
"I am delighted that Kerry has again maintained the necessary standards to ensure that our bathing waters and other facilities are amongst the best in the country," said County Manager Martin Nolan.
"Tourism is essential to the economy of Kerry and maintaining a high quality environment is a priority, not just for visitors to the county, but also for the residents of Kerry," he said.
The winning beaches are located at Ballinscelligs, Ballybunion North, Ballybunion South, Ballyheigue, Banna, Derrynane, Fenit, Inch, Kells, Maherbeg, Rossbeigh, Ventry, White Strand Caherciveen and the marina award was presented for Fenit.
The blue flag award is based on a number of different criteria including water quality, environmental education, environmental management and safety and services.
As Kerry is perceived as the premier tourist county with two million visitors per year, the local authority has a responsibility to ensure that the beaches and infrastructure are presented to holidaymakers in the most attractive manner possible.
Mr Nolan pointed out that Kerry County Council invests tremendous efforts in formulating strategies to keep Kerry at the top of the blue flag programme.
"We will continue to invest the necessary resources to ensure the sustainable management of the magnificent beaches along the Kerry coast," according to the council boss.
Kerry also received 13 blue flags in last year s awards.
