As the summer continues and people venture to Dublin’s beautiful beaches with their pets, it is essential to clean up after dogs to make sure the beaches remain in good standard
Fingal beaches fly Blue and Green Coast Flags again for 2026
Dublin beachgoers have been warned that not picking up after their dogs can have major consequences.
Fingal County Council said that leaving behind just one dog foul can contaminate an area the size of a tennis court. Multiplying that by just 10 dogs demonstrates the massive impact that can have for people swimming or playing on beaches, they added.
The reminder comes as Fingal County Council has been awarded two Blue Flags and a Green Coast Award for 2026. Velvet Strand in Portmarnock and Balcarrick Beach in Donabate have secured Blue Flag status.
A Blue Flag is awarded to beaches that meet high standards in water quality, environmental management, safety, and services.
Balcarrick Beach has also retained its Green Coast Award, recognising its natural beauty and the strength of local community stewardship. The Green Coast Award recognises beaches maintain a high environmental quality.
Acting Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Eoghan Dockrell, said: “Fingal’s coastline is one of our greatest assets, and these awards show the standard we are maintaining year after year. They reflect a shared effort between our staff, communities and volunteers to protect and enhance these spaces for everyone to enjoy.”
With high visitor numbers expected again this summer, the Council is urging beach users to help protect these standards. Dog owners in particular are reminded to clean up after their pets.
Fingal beaches fly Blue and Green Coast Flags again for 2026
Crews from Fingal County Council’s operations departments work to keep beaches along the Fingal coastline tidy, playing a key role in ensuring they remain clean and litter-free during the busy summer months.
While the council will continue to do its part, beach users are encouraged to take responsibility for their waste by removing all rubbish and unwanted items when leaving. Litter bins are available at all beaches.
Director of Operations, Sinéad Murphy, added: “Achieving these awards again in 2026 demonstrates consistent excellence across water quality, safety, and environmental management. Just as importantly, it highlights how education and community action are central to safeguarding our coastline for the future.”
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