One of West Cork’s best-known beaches, Barleycove, has been awarded €452,000 for access upgrades, with a further €196,000 in funding for Durrus walkway.

The monies under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, totalling €648,915, have been broadly welcomed and are expected to boost tourism.

In Barleycove the €452,000 allocation will be used to replace the pontoon and walkway delivering safer, more resilient access to the beach.

Durrus Coastal Walkway will move to phase II with an investment of €196,295 which will allow for the initial stretch of the route be be linked with the village itself.

Fine Gael Senator Noel O’Donovan said: ‘This is incredible news for the two projects. The groups have worked so hard to see these projects through to make the communities even better for residents and visitors alike.’

Fianna Fáil TD Christopher O’Sullivan described Barleycove, a celebrated spot for surfing, as ‘one of the most stunning spots in all of Ireland’.

He added: ‘The pontoon is vital for access to this gorgeous beach. Today’s investment is a real win… replacing the pontoon and walkway is about ensuring safe, universal access to one of our most iconic beaches.

‘Linking the Durrus walkway into the heart of the village will make everyday life safer and more enjoyable for locals, while drawing more visitors to support cafés, shops and accommodation providers.

‘These are practical, community first projects that protect what we love about West Cork, our coastline, our trails, and the welcome we offer to visitors, while strengthening local jobs and the outdoor economy.’

Cllr Caroline Cronin (FG) said she is ‘absolutely thrilled for the Barleycove project’ which is ‘desperately needed’.

She continued: ‘This is brilliant news for the community and the entire Mizen area.’