A ONE-way system for the Dock Beach in Kinsale is to be implemented earlier this summer in order to avoid the traffic chaos that the marred the beach last summer during several hot summer spells.

At last week’s meeting of Bandon Kinsale Municipal District, Cllr Marie O’Sullivan (FG) raised a motion calling on Cork County Council to bring forward the one-way traffic system for the summer season at the beach to ensure that emergency services have access to the beach.

She also asked if the council can explore the possibility of providing public toilet facilities at that location.

Cllr Alan Coleman (Ind) asked if the municipal district had approached a landowner there about the possibility of providing facilities for swimmers.

Last August, Kinsale Fire and Rescue experienced difficulties at the beach when responding to an incident due to cars badly parked. Cork County Council said it has already planned to introduce the one-way system at The Dock Beach earlier this year, in response to the significant increase in both vehicular and pedestrian traffic experience last May during the spell of good weather.

‘Traditionally, the one-way system operates from the June bank holiday weekend until the first weekend of September. This year however, it will be implemented from early May to coincide with the May long weekend and will remain in place until early September.’

The council said the installation of toilets at the site presents ‘significant challenges.’

‘We are currently exploring potential options. However, our priority for 2026 is to maintain the high-quality services provided at our Blue Flag beaches.’

Municipal district officer Brian Dunne told councillors that following the completion of works at both Garrylucas and Garrettstown beaches, they are now working with Cork Sports Partnership to provide a beach wheelchair for the coming summer bathing season.