Northern Ireland could become the only region in Europe without blue flag beach status if money is not found. Funding for a beach officer to monitor beach standards has been stopped, and Tidy Northern Ireland have stated that unless the situation is addressed the blue flags will be removed from beaches next summer. Tidy have themselves applied for funding from several different agencies, but so far without success. A beach officer costs around £30,000 a year and they are employed to advise on how to maintain beaches to international standards.
The removal of blue flag status does not mean standards will drop, however it would mean beaches like Cranfield losing "elite status". In a statement, the Environment and Heritage Service said, "We are currently examining the educational aspects of the Blue Flag Award Scheme as part of a future outreach programme and we propose to meet with Tidy Northern Ireland to discuss the situation further."
