sentences:  In more recent times, since the Republic of Ireland joined the European Union, Lough Lene is also known as the first freshwater lake to obtain a Blue Flag for its pollution-free water.This has been allocated with remarkable regularity to Lough Lene due to the surrounding agricultural communities' commitment to preserving this water resource and habitat for fish and wildlife by careful management of effluent from their farms.Lough Lene's clear water also acts as a reservoir for many surrounding villages.