Cork beach to get one-way road system to allow emergency vehicle access

Gardaí, ambulances, and fire brigades have found it difficult to gain access to one of the most popular beaches in Co Cork

Dock beach near James’ Fort in Kinsale Harbour. Picture: Neil Michael.

A one-way system is to be introduced at one of the most popular beaches in Co Cork to stop repeated traffic chaos there and ensure emergency services can get through in the event of an accident.

There have been several occasions in the past when fire brigades, ambulances and gardaí have found it extremely difficult to access the Dock Beach near James’ Fort in Kinsale.

Visitors’ parking has been a major issue on the narrow road approaching the beach and the fort.

Cork County Council officials have said that they are going to implement a one-way system there just prior to the May Bank Holiday weekend and it will remain in place until September.

Officials made the decision after Kinsale-based Fine Gael councillor Marie O’Sullivan asked for the measures to be introduced on safety grounds.

Ms O’Sullivan said;

“This is a welcome and practical decision given the significant increase in traffic and pedestrian activity experienced during periods of good weather last May. Ensuring safe access, particularly for emergency services, is essential and I appreciate that this has been recognised.” 

The beach is hugely popular in the summer months but is also getting increasingly used all year-round by endurance swimmers who come there from all over the world to train and take part in triathlons staged there.

Toilet question

Ms O’Sullivan said on foot of this the council should provide public toilets there, especially as visitor numbers are increasing all the time.

Officials said they recognise that the Dock Beach is an extremely busy location. However, they added that the installation of toilets at this site presents significant challenges and they are currently exploring potential options.

 Dock Beach overlooking Kinsale Harbour.

They added that their priority for this year, at this beach and others, is to maintain the high-quality water provided at the region’s ‘Blue Flag’ beaches.

Ms O’Sullivan and Independent councillor Alan Coleman both urged the council to act on the toilet issue to also ensure sea water quality, with the former saying it’s unfair a nearby pub has to accommodate those needing to spend a penny.

“The Dock Beach is an extremely popular and well-used amenity and appropriate facilities are increasingly necessary to support public health, environmental protection, and the overall visitor experience,” Ms O’Sullivan added.

Ms O’Sullivan then asked council engineers to do something about the road outside Charles Fort, Kinsale. “The surface outside it's shocking, actually it’s embarrassing at this stage,” she added.

Wheelchair access

Meanwhile, the council's municipal district officer Brian Dunne said that for the upcoming tourist season the local authority is working with Cork Sports Partnership to provide a beach wheelchair at Garrylucas and Garretstown beaches.

He said more details on this project will be provided to the public as arrangements for this progress.