Surfers lament Doolin Pier go-ahead

SURFERS have expressed their disappointed at the decision of An Bord Pleanála to grant planning permission for Doolin Pier.
A statement from the West Coast Surf Club, the group which initially appealed Clare County Council’s permission to build the pier, to An Bord Pleanála, has said “serious reservations remain regarding the decision”.
The club, and the Irish Surfing Association, said, “It is unfortunate that the board in finalising their decision have not taken on board the serious concerns and recommendations set out in sections 7.1, 9.7 and 11.0 of the An Bord Pleanála inspector’s report. The pier development will impact on the surf environment in the area with the wave at Ballaghaline Point destroyed and a potentially significant impact on the world famous Crab Island wave.”
According to the statement, “The WCSC and ISA again reconfirm their availability and that of their expert advisors to meet with Clare County Council to ensure that the impact of any design and construction works carried out for the new pier facilities on the waves at Doolin can be minimised. The WCSC and the ISA further note that significant concerns remain regarding the surfers’ access as proposed.”