Call for safer access to Simon’s Cove near Clonakilty

A councillor John Michael Foley also raised concerns at Cork County Council’s Western Division about coastal access and safety at Broadstrand

Cork County Council’s Western Division was told that the cliff route at Simon's Cove down to the water needed to be examined as more people visited the location.

Safety concerns over access to Simon’s Cove, a pretty secluded cove near Clonakilty popular with swimmers, have been raised by West Cork councillors.

Independent Ireland councillor Daniel Sexton said the cliff route down to the water needed to be examined as an increasing number of people visit the location. 

He told a meeting of Cork County Council’s Western Division that the cove was a beautiful spot, but access was a concern.

Mr Sexton said swimmers and other visitors were making their way down to the water and that the council needed to consider whether anything could be done to make the approach safer.

He raised the issue following an update on coastal and marine projects across West Cork.

Fine Gael councillor John Michael Foley also raised concerns about coastal access and safety at Broadstrand. 

A council official said the Simon’s Cove matter had been raised at an earlier local meeting and would be examined. 

The official said the council would investigate the position at the site and consider what options, if any, were available. No works programme, cost estimate, or timeline was given.

The discussion took place as the council outlined ongoing work on coastal protection, harbour infrastructure, and public access at sites across West Cork. 

Its coastal projects report includes monitoring work at vulnerable beaches and coastal locations, where sand movement, erosion, and changing conditions can affect access and existing defences. 

The council said it would revert to councillors once it had examined the Simon’s Cove concern.

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