Planning approval was granted by Clare Co Council this week for the development of a golf resort at Doonbeg. And the announcement coincided with the appointment of US senator George Mitchell as chairman of Irish National Golf Club, the development company.

"We look forward to senator Mitchell's guidance as we continue to make progress on the resort," said Douglas Barton, chief executive of Irish National. "His wide experience in both the public and private sectors and his understanding of economic development in Ireland will be of great value."

Irish National was formed last year as a subsidiary of Maryland-based Landmark National to develop the resort. In addition to a links designed by Greg Norman, it will feature a hotel, conference centre and holiday homes.