The 2006 Blue Flag Awards have been announced and County Wicklow retains 3 Blue Flag Beaches : Brittas Bay North, Brittas Bay South and Greystones.

The Blue Flag Award is a worldwide awards system which works towards sustainable development at beaches/marinas through strict criteria dealing with water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and other services.

In 2003, Wicklow lost 2 of its 3 flags when Brittas Bay North and South failed to comply with EU mandatory water quality standards.

Countrywide, there are now 84 beaches and marinas with Blue Flag status in Ireland. This is the highest number ever achieved.