PLANS FOR DOOLIN PIER DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHT WEAKNESSES IN THE PLANNING SYSTEM

Clare Co. Council recently gave the go-ahead for the construction of a new €6 million pier in Doolin. This pier will serve as the Clare gateway to the Aran Islands. So a welcome development one might think. After all, tourists love good transport links and it's not something we've been particularly good at developing here.

However, the Irish Surfing Association argued against its construction on the grounds that it represented a significant threat to the 'world renowned' waves at Doolin. Fáilte Ireland, the national tourism development authority supported the surfers and asked the council 'to re-examine the existing proposal to redevelop Doolin pier to ensure that the improvement in pier facilities can proceed without compromising the amenity of the area for surfers'. Sounds very reasonable to me.
After all, surfing is a rapidly growing, year round activity with enormous potential for growth. So why put that at risk?
Well it seems that short term monetary considerations are more important than longer term sustainable development.  Doolin might need a new pier but is also needs to preserve its natural assets. Is anyone looking to the future?