The Killala Chamber and Development Association is deeply disappointed that Ross Beach did not retain its very valuable Blue Flag, which is an internationally recognised symbol of excellence regarding bathing water and other relevant facilities. In a statement this week they said, "We understand that this was not due to any deterioration of the quality of the water, its sewerage facility or clearly displayed information. Ross Beach with its Blue Flag status was a huge tourist attraction for the area and large crowds visit the beach during the summer. Mayo County Council has over the years carried out excellent improvement works providing enhanced parking and other facilities." The chairman of the group, Tony McGarry, appealed to Mayo County Council to urgently take the necessary steps to ensure that Ross Beach will have its Blue Flag reinstated immediately.
Fine Gael councillor Jarlath Munnelly has questioned the loss of a Blue Flag at Ross Beach. Killala based councillor Munnelly said he was very annoyed to learn of the loss of Blue Flag status for the 2016 season for reasons that are not fully clear. Although the bathing water quality and services provided at Ross during 2015 were all up to standard, due to issues with lifeguard cover, Ross has lost its Blue Flag for 2016.
"I am annoyed by this. Water quality and facilities at Ross are all up to standard, but evidently there is an issue with lifeguard cover when the beach was inspected in 2015. I would like Mayo County Council to give a full explanation on this, and I will be raising this with them immediately." Cllr Munnelly said he was not in possession of the full story with regard to the lifeguard issues, but was requesting an explanation immediately. "A lot of people work hard to ensure Ross beach is maintained to a high standard. To lose the flag for what could be a simple enough reason is not good enough. I would like a full explanation on this."
Cllr Munnelly said he will be requesting Mayo County Council to provide the full range of services at Ross Beach for the 2016 summer season, even though it has lost is flag. "I am expecting that it will be business as usual at Ross, in terms of maintenance and provision of lifeguards. That is the least that can be done in this case."
