Motorists will no longer have access to the popular beach at Konnos Bay in Ayia Napa from next summer but in future visitors may be able to catch a ride down via cable car.
Authorities responsible for the Natura 2000 area have decided that in order to protect the forest from pollution caused by cars driving through it to get to Konnos beach, the road will be closed off during May until the end of October when fire risk is high.
Those making the decision includes the Mayors of Ayia Napa and Paralimni, the Forest Department, the Environmental Department, and the Famagusta district officer.
Talking to the Financial Mirror Ayia Napa Mayor, Yiannis Karousos, said that this committee also took into consideration the safety factor as the bay is enclosed by the forest.
“Although we were discussing the necessity of taking measures in case of a fire, the recent events in Greece (Mati) have set things in motion,” said Karousos.
He said in case of a forest fire in the area the road will be needed for firetrucks to use.
“That is why a parking area will be built above the beach and transport will be provided for beach goers. The road will be open only to bicycles and those who want to walk the rest of the way,” said Karousos.
The Ayia Napa Mayor said that municipality will make a call for tenders to investors interested on taking on the project of providing transport from the parking lot down to the beach.
“Our plan is to initially have a company running a bus route nonstop, but our vision for the area is to minimize pollution to the minimum,” said Karousos.
He said that the area is suitable for the construction of a cable car which will carry beach goers from the top of the hill overlooking the beach.
“We will call for tenders for a cable car and we hope to see a show of interest being submitted by investors,” said the mayor.
He added that the project and the operation of the transport system will be given to private investors who will be charging for the journey down to and from the beach.
The Ayia Napa Mayor said that the natural habitats and landscape will not be altered in any way.
