Fáilte Ireland wades in on pier opposition

CLARE County Council could be steering a collision course with tourism promotional body Fáilte Ireland over plans for a €6 million pier development that could threaten world class surf breaks at Doolin.

Since the county council lodged plans for the pier development adjacent to Doolin Point a few months ago, there has been a wave of opposition to the project, designed to exploit Doolin’s status as a gateway to the popular Aran Islands.
However, in one of the latest submissions on the contentious plans, Fáilte Ireland has pleaded with the council to re-examine the project to ensure the improvement of the pier could proceed without compromising the amenity value of the reputedly world class surf environment at Doolin Reef and Crab Island.
“Fáilte Ireland recognises the importance of surfing as an existing and growing tourism activity in Ireland and that the particular area in question is known internationally to provide some of the best surfing in the country,” said Mary Stack of Fáilte Ireland’s Environment and Planning Unit.
“In light of this, it is considered by Fáilte Ireland that a further assessment should be undertaken to determine the extent of the impact of the proposed development on the wave dynamics in the area and any impacts on the quality of the surfing experience,” she added.
In documents lodged by consultants for the council, they point out that dredging of the approach channel adjacent to the new pier, to be located 110m to the south-west of the existing pier, will take place over a 38m–145m area and at varying depths.
“The proposed works are to improve berthing facilities for boats and to give improved tidal access. The development will complement the existing smaller pier at Doolin.
“It is an extremely exposed coastline and is subject to robust wave action and the area is regularly overtopped during heavy winter storms. The new pier will improve the amenity value of the area and will improve access for islanders,” the consultants state.
In order for the project to proceed, it requires the support of a majority of the 32 councillors. The planner’s report on the submissions and the planning application itself may come before the October meeting of the local authority.