Welcome access to Chimney Cove

The re-opening of a right of way to Barleycove beach has been welcomed locally.

Residents had previously complained to the Council that access to a small beach called Chimney Cove – which is adjacent to Barleycove beach – had been deliberately blocked with boulders.

One local man told The Southern Star that people trying to access the cove from the top of the hill could no longer use the right of way because a local person had placed obstacles there.

The man said: ‘It's such a sad situation in such a beautiful a place. Barleycove is one of the finest beaches in the country. It's a shame that it is troubled by conflict. I hope the situation has been resolved once and for all.'

He welcomed the fact that the access point had been cleared  and he expressed the hope that the local authority would now re-instate wooden steps leading to Chimney Cove. A spokesperson for Cork County Council confirmed that the obstruction was cleared on July 14th last and he said the Council would assess what further work needed to be done in the area.

Some local people have taken to Facebook to welcome the development. One local person posted: ‘Best news we got here in a long time to see that the public right of way onto Chimney Cove beach is now re-opened.' 

That person also expressed the hope that it would never be blocked off again and that ‘peace and harmony may reign over the area.'