Windfarm to blow tourism investments?

Proposed investments in the region of  €68m by Doonbeg Golf Club could be left blowing in the wind if plans for a new €100m windfarm are approved in West Clare.

 

That’s according to Doonbeg Golf Club manager Joe Russell when he was questioned about the impact on the West Clare economy if An Bord Pleanála approves Clare Coastal Wind Power’s plans for a 10-year planning permission for a 40-turbine windfarm in the area.

As one of the largest tourism providers in Clare, Doonbeg Golf Club has already made considerable investments in the local economy, with an ongoing commitment of €150m and has plans for major additional investment.

According to analysis completed by Shannon Development, the golf club’s future plans could create an additional indirect tourism investment of a further €150 million through the development of other amenities, services and facilities in the general area.

The regional development agency estimates that through a multiplier effect, this could also generate an extra annual spend of €20 million within the area.

Mr Russell told the oral hearing, which concluded in the Armanda Hotel, Spanish Point this week, that a proposed €3 million event and function facility has been put on hold, pending the outcome of a decision on the Shragh windfarm.

“Our North American members, property owners, business partners and guests have chosen Doonbeg Lodge and Golf Club for many reasons, ranging from golf to enjoying the unspoilt nature of the countryside and the ocean on their day tours/trips around the locality.

“Many of them have a negative view of windfarm developments based on their experiences in the US. A development of this nature will not encourage them to visit the region,” he said.

With an additional 61 properties approved but still to be built, he expressed concern that property value would fall and might lead to a cessation of sales in future.

According to the golf club, about €80 million in property sales have been achieved since 2003 thanks to the sale of 69 properties.

The resort recorded 24,000 bed nights, 41,000 sleepers and 22,000 golfers in 2012 and has a current membership of 385 golfers. There were over 110,000 covers in food and beverage last year. It has 230 part and full-time employees in high season.

Last year, their business mix was 52% Irish, 36% North American, 7% UK and 5% for rest of the world. Only 20% of its accommodation business is now golf-related, with the leisure and event guest now visiting the region in increasing numbers.

While the club isn’t against windfarm developments, it believes the proposed development should not be to the detriment of existing tourism enterprises in the area.

Anthony Marston of Marston Planning Consultancy claimed at the hearing that the introduction of an extra 40 turbines, combined with the existing and permitted 13 turbines, would have a significant visual impact that would dramatically alter the nature of the surrounding landscape and would have serious implications for the economy of the area.

Commenting on photomontages of wind turbines provided by the developer, Mr Russell expressed concern that golfers can see wind turbines from the sixth and 15th tees, the highest part of the golf course, and that there would be ten more tees with visibility of the turbines.

Oisin Collins, barrister, for the applicant, asked Mr Russell how he was so sure the new development would have such a negative impact, given the existing windfarm has not had one.

“The existing windfarm is very far away from the golf club. The proposed windfarm is very close to the golf club and with the orientation of the course across the bay you will see a lot more of these wind turbines,” was the reply.

Mr Collins pointed out the closest turbine at the Mount Rivers site would be about two kilometres from the golf course and asked Mr Russell what evidence he had to suggest tourists or golfers would be put off from using the facility as a result of the new windfarm.

Mr Russell said his views were based on discussions with existing property owners and golf club members. He had spoken to the owner of Waterville Golf Club, where there is also a proposal for a windfarm and he and his members have reacted very negatively also.

Mr Collins referred to the fact that there had been some concerns in relation to the Monmore development but the council had stated it has now been incorporated into the landscape. Yet, he said, there is very strong resistance to this new development about two kilometres from the club.

Mr Russell was asked if it was the idea of the development rather than the actual reality on the ground that he was in opposition off, to which Mr Russell explained his evidence was based on the experience of the parent company in the US and their attitude towards windfarms, which he said is not very positive.