Dundrum House Hotel Leisure Club in County Tipperary, Ireland has won an Evian White Flag Award for Leisure Facilities 2003.

The award was launched in June 2001 by Minister For State, Eoin Ryan, as a pilot for Europe. The award scheme, aimed at swimming pools, sports halls, gymnasiums and indoor leisure facilities is based on the European Blue Flag for Beaches award and is primarily a hygiene and environmental award with a key criteria including facility interior, exterior and grounds, swimming pool cleanliness and hygiene, operations and environmental management, pool water quality and treatment and staff qualifications and professionalism. Each site must also have strong 'eco-friendly principles such as waste management.

The manager of the Dundrum House leisure club, Sally McGarth, says the club focuses on 'well-being' rather than 'clichéd' fitness: 'We feel that relaxation and a little luxury helps our members gain that 'feel good factor' that you cannot put a price on.'

James McCormack, manager Ireland for Evian said: 'Evian is delighted to support the White Flag awards, co-ordinated by ILAM Ireland and An Taisce. This worthwhile award scheme will contribute to raising standards in gyms and leisure facilities in Ireland while promoting the importance of a healthy lifestyle.'

Independent assessors judge the Evian White Flag awards with final decisions made by the White Flag jury that includes representatives from Irish Water Safety, RLSS Ireland, Consumer Association of Ireland, ILAM Ireland and the Environmental Health Officers Association. Details: +353 6271116