Concerns were raised that raw sewage in Ballyronan Marina had made it a 'no go zone' for swimmers from a local community swimming group. Thomas McElhone who sits on the marina's board of directors and is its rear commodore, questioned why it the marina had been awarded a Blue Flag. Advertisement Advertisement Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NorthernIrelandWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.
Mr Elhone claimed for the past eight years the marina has lacked a pump-out station for removing sewage from moored boats. "Additionally, vents installed 15 years ago to prevent stagnant water have been blocked for over a decade, leading to poor water quality. Last year, severe blue-green algae blooms, up to four inches deep in places, rendered the marina unusable," he said.
"The Blue Flag is a prestigious award for beaches and marinas, symbolizing excellence in environmental education, tourism, environmental management, and safety. Displaying a Blue Flag assures visitors of high standards in water quality, safety, and amenities. “Despite these significant issues, Ballyronan Marina was still awarded a Blue Flag, which should represent excellence in every category, including water quality, which is clearly not the case in Ballyronan.
Advertisement Advertisement Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful had declined to comment at the time until they carried out an investigation. In a statement they said that they take their Blue Flag programme very s.
