Public car parks at Kerry beaches will reopen on Monday next, (May 18). The car parks were closed at the beginning of April in the interests of public health and limiting the spread of the Coronavirus.

Kerry County Council has decided to reopen the car parks having regard to the Government Roadmap for the Reopening of Society and Business and the current advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team.

However, the Council is reminding the public that a strict travel limit of 5km applies where individuals are leaving their home for exercise or recreation. Only those residing within 5km of beaches should travel to those beaches in line with the current public health advice.

Those travelling to beaches should ensure that the two-metre physical distancing guideline is maintained. Groups other than small family units should not congregate to avoid transmission of the virus. Advisory signage is being erected by Kerry County Council at beach car parks this weekend and members of the public are asked to adhere to that advice.

Director of Services with Kerry County Council, John Breen, said the decision had been taken following a safety assessment and consideration of the roadmap published recently by the Government as well as the prevailing public health advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team.

“There is an understandable desire by many people to avail of the fine weather and visit our wonderful beaches but we must ensure that this is done in compliance with public health advice and with the core aim of continuing to flatten the curve of the Coronavirus pandemic,” he said.

“This does not, however, represent an unrestricted reopening of beach car parks. Only those living within 5km of our beaches are permitted to travel there under the public health guidelines and if they do, the required two metres distance from others must be maintained. In conjunction with An Garda Síochána, we will be overseeing the new arrangements.”