Local backing for Doonbeg coastal works

FOLLOWING an information meeting between Trump International Golf Links and Hotel Ireland and Doonbeg Community Development, the chairman of the community group has said the vast majority of people in West Clare favour the proposed coastal protection works at the golf club.

Consultants on behalf of the resort, which employs 230 people during the summer months, have submitted plans to Clare County Council, which would involve the use of 200,000 tonnes of limestone during the eight-month project.

The consultants also claim that the West Clare economy would benefit to the tune of €38 million, between 2017 and 2024, if permission is granted.

The plans lodged with the local authority will cost €10m if they are given the go-ahead, while the “beach augmentation” will be a 2.8km long coastal protection infrastructure, which golf club management say is “not a wall”.

“From what we have heard, 99.9% of local people are in favour of these coastal protection works,” Doonbeg Community Development chairman John O’Dea told The Clare Champion.

“There are many farmers also affected by flooding along that stretch of coastline and they will also benefit from these proposed coastal protection works.

“Monday’s meeting was an information meeting to let local people know what the plans are,” Mr O’Dea added.

A detailed non-technical summary, issued by resort management, states that the development will involve placing limestone rock armour in the vicinity of the existing large cobble ridge, which separates the White Strand beach element of Doughmore Bay from the golf course and sand dunes. The stone is to be set out in front of the existing dunes and will run the length of the beach. It is envisaged that the rocks will be 3m to 4m above beach level and will be 15m to 20m wide at the base.