Ballyronan Marina awarded Blue Flag for fourth year

The awarding body TIDY Northern Ireland, in association with Northern Ireland Tourist Board, has announced the Marina will fly the prestigious International Blue Flag again for 2013 – one of only two awarded to marinas.

On receiving the award, Cookstown District Council’s Chairman Cllr. Tony Quinn, said: “We are delighted once again to have received this prestigious award for a fourth year running.

“The safety and cleanliness of our Marina is very important in attracting visitors to the area and I am absolutely thrilled that this year we can again fly the Blue Flag at Ballyronan.

“We will be encouraging visitors to kick off their shoes, walk down to the water’s edge and enjoy the best of what the Marina has to offer.”

Ballyronan Marina is situated on the picturesque western shores of Lough Neagh just twelve miles from Cookstown and is the ideal location for families and any water sports enthusiast.

The boating and tourist facility incorporates a caravan and campsite, picnic areas, Play Park and beach area.

To compliment these facilities there is also a special Woodland Nature Trail, ‘Ballyronan Wood’ which has a variety of pathways, viewpoints and information signage, highlighting the natural beauty of the area.

Dr Ian Humphreys, CEO of TIDY Northern Ireland, has welcomed today’s announcements that see 18 beaches and 2 marinas receiving awards for excellence.

He said: “Thanks to the hard work of all the operators these are the areas where you know exactly what you will get in terms of safety, services, information and of course bathing water quality.

“Whether a beach is flying the Seaside Award Flag or Blue Flag these beaches offer a wonderful experience for local people and visitors alike - and of course, the same applies to our marinas.”

For more information on Ballyronan Marina and its facilities log onto Cookstown District Councils website www.cookstown.gov.uk or visit Ballyronan Marinas Facebook Page.

If you are interested in assisting with beach clean ups or indeed river and lough clean ups, or want to recognise someone who has made a real difference through their voluntary work in this area please contact Patricia Magee, National Coastal Officer, TIDY Northern Ireland 028 9073 6924 or [email protected].