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Council ‘might find money' to paint the Beacon

July 31st, 2019 10:05 PM

By Jackie Keogh

Storm Ophelia battering the Beacon in October 2017. There are renewed calls to have it painted. (Photo: Youen Jacob)

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One of West Cork's most instantly recognisable attractions – the Beacon in Baltimore – needs to be properly maintained and should be taken over by the County Council, according to the county mayor.

ONE of West Cork’s most instantly recognisable attractions – the Beacon in Baltimore – needs to be properly maintained and should be taken over by the County Council, according to the county mayor.

Cllr Christopher O’Sullivan (FF) tabled a motion at a meeting of the Western Committee calling on Cork County Council to paint the iconic landmark.

‘We use it in all our promotional material,’ he said. ‘It is there in the posters at Cork Airport and it is recognised as one of our finest attractions.’

But, as previously reported in The Southern Star, the 80ft conical shaped structure, which overlooks the entrance to Baltimore Harbour, is dirty and in need of a lick of paint.

Cllr O’Sullivan pointed out the Commissioners of Irish Lights, which own the Beacon, no longer have a need for it and he called on the Council to take it over and maintain it.

Cllr Joe Carroll (FF) agreed that the iconic structure needs a makeover and he recalled how it was – in the days before ‘health and safety’ – painted using ropes and ladders.

Divisional manager Clodagh Henehan reminded the councillors that the structure is owned by the Commissioners, but the land around it is not, and that ‘access to it is not within our gift.’

However, Ms Henehan did say that the West Cork Municipal District ‘might find money for the community to work with Irish Lights and have it painted.’

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