Public warned to stay away from popular Cork beach due to rodent infestation

An infestation of rats near a popular beach has prompted Cork County Council to warn people to stay away from the area. 

The notice was issued this week by the local authority for the Ballyrisode Beach. 

"Bathers are advised not to play or swim in the general vicinity of the rocky area near the carpark due to a rodent infestation," it states on Cork Co Council's website. 

"Bathers are also advised to take caution while on the beach and in the wider area. An authorised contractor has laid bait on the beach and will continue to carry out inspections/lay bait as necessary until the issue has been resolved," the council added.

Ballyrisode Beach is located 11km west of Schull Town, near the Mizen Peninsula. The beach forms an inlet within the larger Toormore Bay. It consists of two beaches, each approximately 150m in length.

This beach forms part of a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a National Heritage Area (NHA).

Ballyrisode Beach is an extremely valuable resource to both residents and visitors for a number of reasons, Cork Co Council notes, including its scenery and landscape and for its safe and sheltered location for swimming and other recreational activities.