Motorists getting stuck on narrow and 'extremely busy' section of the Wild Atlantic Way

Councillors call for more more passing bays on road leading to Mizen Head

Council told Mizen Head was a major tourist attraction in West Cork and the road could not accommodate the many vehicles, including tour buses, especially in the busy summer season. Picture: Andy Gibson

With up to 80,000 visitors a year making their way along a narrow, single lane stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way to reach Mizen Head, there is an urgent need for more passing bays along the road.

Independent Ireland councillor Danny Collins raised the issue at a recent meeting of Cork County Council’s West Cork Municipal District. 

Mr Collins said Mizen Head was a major tourist attraction in West Cork and the road could not accommodate the many vehicles, including tour buses, especially in the busy summer season.

Fine Gael councillor Caroline Cronin said camper vans were also an issue on the road, and some drivers thought the vehicles were wider than they actually were, causing additional delays. 

She said she had also seen camper vans driving along the narrow road with their access steps still deployed, damaging other vehicles.

Independent councillor Finbarr Harrington said the road was “extremely busy” in summer, with few passing places that also caused great difficult for local farmers, who had to bring tractors and trailers along the busy road.

Area engineer Kevin Lynch said: “The Schull area office will investigate the feasibility of providing for additional passing bays at Corran More and will open discussions with relevant land owners. If such work is feasible and subject to funding, the Schull area office will look to add to future works.” 

This article is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme