THE narrow road to Mizen Head is in urgent need of more passing bays to ease heavy traffic, councillors have warned.

The narrow, single-lane road at Corran More up to the lighthouse sees up to 80,000 visitors a year, leading to congestion and delays at peak times.

Cllr Danny Collins (Ind Ire) raised the issue at a West Cork Municipal District meeting, pointing out the road’s struggle to accommodate tour buses and other large vehicles.

He called for more passing bays in a motion submitted to the council.

‘A lot of the tourists drive rented cars and they wouldn’t be used to driving on our side of the road. This would help to deal with a lot of traffic issues and congestion,’ said Cllr Collins.

Cllr Finbarr Harrington (Ind) spoke of the challenges faced by local farmers, who are forced to navigate the roads around Mizen Head with tractors and trailers with limited passing points, especially in the busy summer months.

Cllr Caroline Cronin (FG) pointed to camper vans as another source of delays, saying some drivers misjudge their width, with some having damaged other vehicles by driving with their steps extended.

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,’ he said.