A FINE Gael councillor has called for clarity in relation to public access following the listing on Daft.ie of a beachfront property at Ballyrisode for €800,000.

The property​ is described as having ‘47 acres of frontline beach lands’, which is a recipient of a Green Coast Award, and offers a ‘convenient, sheltered, foreshore location.’

The Cork-based estate agent Dominic Daly said that the unique frontline beach land includes the ruins of outbuildings and a derelict house that have been part of a family holding for over 200 years.

The site is described as having easy access, electricity, and included in the sale price are private islands, as well as secluded and sheltered for mooring yachts.

Schull-based Cllr Caroline Cronin, who  is the chairperson of the West Cork Municipal District, said she will be seeking clarification from the selling agent to ensure there is no disruption to public access to the beach.

The councillor said she would like to know: ‘Is there an established public right-of-way and access to the beach across the lands being sold?

‘Will public access to the beach remain unaffected by the sale, or could access be restricted by a future owner?

‘Given the importance of Ballyrisode Beach as a valued local amenity, a beach loved by all of us, clarity on these points would be greatly appreciated,’ she added.

The property advertised the lands as being located west of Schull on the Mizen Peninsula, ‘a location and holding that has to be seen to be believed.’

The lands, the advert states, ‘are located frontline to Ballyrisode Beach, which forms an inlet within the larger Toormore Bay.

‘The beachside area consists of two beaches (the lands totally border one of them) and each stretch of beach is c. 150ms in length.’

The selling agent notes that ‘Ballyrisode Beach is an extremely valuable resource to its residents for number of reasons including its scenery and landscape for its safe and sheltered location for swimming and other recreational activities.

‘Aside for the obvious seaside appeal, the lands are bordered by truly mature woodland boundaries and all of the neighbouring properties in the due vicinity are of a 5-star standard.

‘Ballyrisode Beach is one of only a few beaches in Ireland to be awarded the Green Coast Award, which is a symbol for environmental excellence and has been established to acknowledge and promote the rural beaches in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales,’ the online promo concludes.

The Southern Star spoke to Dominic Daly before going to press and he was of the opinion that the public road​ leading to the beach, and therefore access to the beach, would not be affected by the sale of these lands.