A SECOND CHANCE for opponents of development at Doolin pier has opened up with the announcement that further consideration has to be given to the granting of a foreshore licence for the €6 million project.
Clare County Council has been asked to relodge plans for the foreshore licence for the contentious development with the Department of the Environment.
Last month, in the face of opposition in particular from surfers, councillors unanimously gave their approval for the pier, which will be particularly important for access to the Aran Islands.
Surfers told the council that the pier plan would destroy world-class waves at Doolin, including the Crab Island wave, ranked as one of the best in the country.
The council official charged with leading the project, Tom Tiernan, said yesterday: “The application is practically the same as the one that was submitted in mid-2010.
“Notwithstanding same, the department advised us in February 2011, that, to be procedurally correct, it would be appropriate to submit an amended application to reflect the fact that the proposed pier location had changed.
“This was done in mid-February but, because of a minor error within the application form, we were requested to resubmit it – this was done on March 3th.
“As I understand it, this made no difference in practical terms as it didn’t delay the department’s examination of the application.”
He added: “The only change of any significance relates to the relocation of the proposed pier by 25m when compared with the original application. This, in turn, resulted in very minor changes to supporting reports submitted with the application.”
Mr Tiernan said he was confident construction work would begin this year, with the project expected to be complete next year.
