Public urged to stay away from some popular Cork beaches due to lack of 'safe access'

In West Cork, car parks at Warren Beach near Rosscarbery and Inchydoney Beach near Clonakilty were full by Saturday afternoon.

Emergency services across Cork have asked the public to stay away from some popular beaches and avoid “impossible” conditions to leave access for crisis help.

In West Cork, car parks at Warren Beach near Rosscarbery and Inchydoney Beach near Clonakilty were full by Saturday afternoon.

An Garda Síochána Cork advised: “There is no further safe access available.”

They urged the public: “Please consider one of the other many stretches of golden sand we have along the Costa del Cork this afternoon.” 

People were advised to only park in legal spots at these beaches and other popular areas so that emergency access is not blocked.

“Don’t occupy a disabled parking bay without a permit,” the Gardai reminded people, saying: “Stay safe, stay hydrated and wear plenty of sun cream!” 

In Kinsale, the Fire services also raised the alarm about access to Dock Beach in the town, asking people to stay away on Saturday afternoon.

They shared photographs on social media showing the congested conditions.

“We need traffic to stop coming to the Dock Beach, we've no other way out, only back up the same road, one way system, other road we have no way up to much traffic over here,” they urged.

Hundreds of people headed to the Warren Beach  Picture: Andy Gibson.

They placed two men at the bridge to direct cars to follow another route.

The services in a strongly worded post on social media: “If another incident comes in, we need to get out, cars are parked from the Dock Beach all the way up to the bridge.

“It’s impossible otherwise. All other emergency services beware🚒🚒Thank you.” 

Cork County Council Beachguards also warned that Garrylucas beach car park near Kinsale was full by late Saturday afternoon.

A red flag alerting people to stay out of the water was temporarily in place also around 5pm, the Beachguards warned on social media.

Across the country, An Garda Síochána reminded people not to leave children or pets unattended in cars during the hot weather. 

"If you have an elderly or vulnerable neighbour, we would appreciate if you could check to make sure they are safe and hydrated," they said. 

"If you cannot call into them, let us know by ringing your local Garda Station and we will take a spin out to see them." 

Meanwhile, gardaí at Malahide in Dublin advised that the main car park near the popular Velvet Strand beach was also full by early on Saturday.

“Drivers are urged not to park on the road as it will obstruct emergency vehicle access. Stay safe and have fun in the sun!” they advised on social media."

Met Éireann predicted temperatures of between 24 degrees and 29 degrees across Munster for Saturday. More unsettled and cooler weather is on the way.