Locals complain of gridlock and vandalism as crowds descend on Cork and Kerry beaches

The causeway to Barleycove beach in West Cork was gridlocked again for the second time in a fortnight.

Gridlock at Barleycove beach. Photo: Liz Dunphy

Roads to beaches were gridlocked and hordes of teenagers trashed parts of a seaside village as thousands of people flocked to the coast during the weekend’s mini heatwave.

There were calls for increased weekend patrols by gardaí and local authority staff to enforce parking and camping bylaws after cars were abandoned on narrow beach access roads, and campsite fires were lit in sensitive protected dunes.