An Bord Pleanala yesterday gave the go-ahead to contentious plans to develop a £12.5 million golf links resort at Doonbeg, Co Clare. The course has been designed by Greg Norman.
Upholding last November's decision by Clare County Council, the board ruled that having regard to the current development plan for the area and EU conservation directives, the proposal would represent an appropriate balance between the environmental, social and economic implications of the development. The board further stated that the development "would not seriously injure the amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity, would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and convenience and would not be contrary to the proper planning and development of the area".
Environmental groups including An Taisce, the Heritage Council and Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE) appealed the council's decision to the board, claiming that the proposal would destroy an area of high conservation importance. The proposal includes an 18-hole links course, a 51-bedroom hotel, a conference centre and 80 holiday homes on a 366-acre site adjacent to a proposed Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
As part of the ruling, the developers are required to omit 34 holiday homes from the original plan of 80 units; submit a management plan to ensure the protection of the entire area of the SAC; and introduce crowd control measures during tournaments. The board has also asked the developers to ensure the protection of the rare 2 mm snail, the vertigo angustior, present on the course.
An Taisce yesterday described the ruling as "a big setback for nature conservation". The environmental body stated: "The implications are that any unspoilt coastal area is a potential prestige development site as long as an economic case can be made."
A spokesman for the Heritage Council said that while respecting the board's decision, the council hoped it would not set a dangerous precedent at a time when good practice in relation to the protection of SACs had yet to be established.
However, the ruling was welcomed by promoters of the project, Shannon Development and the Doonbeg Community Development Co Ltd, which represents the interests of the local community. Chairman Mr Francis O'Dea said: "We wanted and needed this project. Doonbeg and west Clare must not be a wasteland. The project is by far the best chance we have to positively influence the economic future for generations."
Mr Doug Barton, chief executive of developers Irish National Golf Club Ltd said: "I want to reassure everybody that the company will be good managers of the SAC; will be a good neighbour to those who live adjacent to the proposed resort and we will make a meaningful and positive contribution to the economic, social and community life of Doonbeg and Co Clare."
He said he was delighted that the arguments advanced by the developers had allowed the board to make a decision in favour of the project. Thanking the people of Doonbeg and west Clare for their support, Mr Barton said he expects the Greg Norman design team to be on site by the autumn. Construction must commence by the end of December to avail of €2.4 million in EU funding.
However, a spokesman for FIE warned yesterday that "Greg Norman is still a long way from the first tee". He claimed yesterday that the EU Commission was still actively investigating a complaint lodged by FIE in relation to the reduction in size by the Government in 1998 of the SAC and to the existence of a protected species on the bulk of the golf course.
The Minister for Sport, Dr McDaid, welcomed the Bord Pleanala decision. He said the development would "further enhance Ireland's status as a mecca for golfing tourists".
