Car park at one of Kerry's most popular beaches to close from this weekend

Annual lease agreement for a car park on land owned by a private landowner, which has been in place for 20 years, has yet to be renewed

Thousands of people flock to Inch in fine weather, with many parking on the sand — and some getting stuck. Picture: Chani Anderson

A stand-off between Kerry County Council and a landowner will see toilets and a car park at one of Kerry’s busiest beaches closed to the public from Friday.

The Blue Flag Inch Beach forms part of Ireland’s first marine park, Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara Chiarraí, following the National Parks and Wildlife Service’s purchase of 1,235 acres of the peninsula in 2024.

Kerry County Council and the NPWS have yet to agree a solution to the long-standing issue of parking.

Thousands of people flock to Inch in fine weather, with many parking on the sand — and some getting stuck.

A consultant’s report commissioned by the council for a car park on land it does not own was completed before the NPWS purchase of Inch beach, and has not been implemented.

The draft plan was in its final stages in April 2024 when the council got notification of the NPWS purchase of Inch, the council said in a written reply to Fine Gael's Tommy Griffin in July 2024, adding it hoped to consult with the service on the issue.

However, there has been no progress, and in May 2025, the NPWS said parking was a matter for the council.  

Community leaders regularly don safety jackets in a bid to control the traffic.

The good weather in recent days has led to chaotic scenes, with cars stuck in the sand and long traffic delays, prompting locals to step in to help.

An annual lease agreement for a car park on land owned by private landowner Mahmood Hussain, which has been in place for 20 years, has yet to be renewed.

It has emerged the council prosecuted Mr Hussain over a minor planning matter after he installed electrical power points and an electric barrier entrance at his campsite. The works were intended to facilitate families and improve security, he told Radio Kerry.

He carried out a bird survey over the course of a year in preparation for the work.

The legal proceedings brought by the council were finalised last week.

Mr Hussain now has to take down his barrier and remove the power points, although a planning application is being made to An Coimisiún Pleanála on the matter. 

“We are extremely disappointed by this outcome,” Mr Hussain said in a public message to his customers, advising them there would be no power points.

Mr Griffin said the community was extremely disappointed with the lack of progress on a car park.

He called for “engagement” on the car park lease, which has been outstanding since last December, and should have been renewed well before the summer season, the councillor said.

“The council have neglected Inch for far too long. There is a dereliction of duty. Both the council and the NPWS have responsibility to tourists and visitors and are accountable here,” Mr Griffin said.

“If the council cannot manage the beach at Inch, they should look at closing it."

In a statement on Tuesday, Kerry County Council said there had been a long-standing rental agreement in place for this car park with Kerry County Council for more than 20 years, and negotiations on the 2026 fee have not yet been completed.

It said it continued to explore the provision of additional parking facilities at Inch Beach.

The NPWS has been asked for comment.