Inchydoney the only place in West Cork enjoying showers

SWIMMERS are being advised to avoid the eastern and western channels at Inchydoney after an Italian man was rescued by Inchydoney Inshore Lifeboat Association after getting into difficulty due to strong currents there.

The alarm was raised by the beach lifeguards after they spotted a man attempting to swim the western channel between Inchydoney and Dunmore.

They launched their boat – Realt na hInse – immediately and the crew found the man trying to swim back across to Inchydoney. He was brought on board and returned to his worried friends on the western beach.

‘Apart from being tired and a little shook by the incident he was in good health. He admitted that the currents in the channel had taken him by surprise and he would have found it difficult to return on his own.’

‘The person was extremely lucky to have been spotted by the beach lifeguards and we are asking people not to swim in the eastern or western channels at Inchydoney.’

Meanwhile, Cork Senator Tim Lombard is calling for a Park and Ride for Clonakilty to provide alternative parking for Inchydoney beachgoers which has been traffic choked in recent weeks. 

The situation was so problematic that the council assigned a traffic warden to the area and gardai said they would tow badly and illegally parked cars.

Senator Lombard said: ‘The incredible summer we are experiencing has driven many to spend their time at the beach. Unfortunately, at Inchydoney, there is nowhere to park when they get there.

‘The frustration of this has led to many misaligned or illegal parking manoeuvres that create congestion and, alarmingly, restrict vehicle access. 

‘Enforcement of the current parking laws and regulations at Inchydoney is necessary to ensure the collective safety and enjoyment of all beachgoers, however we need to find a more productive, long-term solution to the issue of parking availability at this popular summer destination.’

There may not be any parking but one welcome addition in the area are new outdoor showers which are a feature of the new public toilets at Inchydoney. 

At a cost of €86,113, the original toilet structure was completely gutted and refurbished by the County Architect’s Department 

‘The building was re-roofed and fitted out with new male  and female toilets, including disabled WCs and a new separate external public shower area added,’ said a council spokesperson.

‘The cedar timber cladding is a reference to the coastal context and is designed to soften the visual impact of the newly refurbished building and the main contractor for this was Cahalane Bros Ltd.’

Local councillor Christopher O’Sullivan, who has been campaigning for new facilities there for a long time said the new toilets are a big boost to Inchydoney.

Finally as the warm spell looks set to continue, Irish Water is continuing to work with council to manage water supplies throughout the county.

Pressure restrictions remain in place in Clonakilty between 11pm and 7am each night to allow reservoir levels to recover so that normal supply can be maintained during the day.