Pier to have no ‘significant’ impact on waves, report finds

THE provision of a new €5 million Doolin Pier will not have any “significant” impact on the waves for surfers at Crab Island and will potentially have only a “minor” effect on the waves at Ballaghline Point.

That’s one of the conclusions of a new Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Doolin Pier, which has been completed by Malachy Walsh and Partners, on behalf of Clare County Council.
The potential impact of the pier on waves at Crab Island and Ballaghline Point was a major bone of contention for surfing organisations, who previously criticised wave modelling submitted by the council as part of its initial Part Eight application for the pier.
Several surfing organisations made a number of submissions expressing major reservations about the impact of the pier on waves at these two locations. It is believed this was one of the factors that prompted An Bord Pleanála to request the council to produce an EIS, following an appeal last September.
The EIS acknowledged surfing is an important natural tourism asset and noted the waves at Crab Island and Ballaghline Point are recognised as very good surfing waves.
However, the consultants pointed out these waves are not for everybody and are only recommended for the fit and experienced surfer. This is because of the rocky shore, underwater reef and the long paddle required to reach them.
“There is the potential for reflection from the pier revetment to impact on these waves. The slope of the pier revetment has been designed to minimise any impact. A computer simulation model was built and used to predict the impact that reflection may have on these waves.
“The results found there would be no significant impact on the waves at Crab Island and potentially a minor impact on the waves at Ballaghline Point.
“There are several access points to the waves along the rocky shore near the existing pier. One of the more popular access points will be lost as a result of the proposed development.
“However, as part of the new development, a series of steps and platforms will be constructed to lead surfers safely to an alternative access point. A cold water shower for rinsing surfing gear and equipment will also be constructed beside the revetment,” the consultants explained.
Outside of Ros a Mhíl, Doolin Pier is the busiest pier for passenger traffic in Ireland. This is despite the fact that the pier is tidal, exposed, too small for the number and variety of users and frequently congested.
The consultants have acknowledged the existing pier is “not fit for purpose”.
Tidal for up to four hours a day, at low tide trans-shipment is required to bring passengers to the ferries. This means passengers have to be transported by a smaller vessel to the ferry waiting in deeper water.
With three major ferry operators operating out of Doolin, the existing boats are competing for limited space on the pier, as it can’t cater for all of them simultaneously.
“A larger, more sheltered pier, which would allow separation of users, is needed in Doolin. This separation of users will increase safety, reduce congestion and allow the coast guard, commercial and recreational interests to operate safely and independently of each other.
“A new pier would also prevent the necessity for trans-shipment,” the consultants stated.
The development will comprise the construction of a 10m wide and 103m long pier structure. Some of the pier structure will be constructed in the intertidal area. It is proposed to provide a minimum berthage length of 60m for ferry type craft. The pier structure will be topped with a 2.25m high seawall.
West Coast Surf Club (WCSC) spokesman, Ray Foley said the club and the Irish Surfers’ Association have not been copied with updated documents by Clare County Council but are reviewing the documents that are publicly available.