Doolin pier plan ‘crucial’ to tourism

THE redevelopment of a public pier in Doolin is crucial to the tourist industry in the Clare village.

Tourism interests are fully behind a planned new €6 million pier project being promoted by Clare Co Council.

The pier, also the gateway to the Aran Islands, has been delayed by objections from surfers which forced the county council to withdraw an original application.

Surfers claim the proposed pier will destroy “world class waves” at Doolin.

In its new plan, the council proposed the pier be relocated 25 metres further away from the waves and also shortened the structure by 15 metres.

Surfers, however, remain opposed to the plan.

But Olwyn Egan, on behalf of the Doolin Tourism Committee, has urged the council to press ahead with the pier. A 2011 completion date has been fixed for the pier redevelopment to avail of central government funding.

In a submission to Bord Pleanála, the tourism body’s Ms Egan states: “While we realise there is potential for growth in the surfing industry in Ireland, at present visitor levels of surfers are a relatively small group. On the basis that their concerns have been addressed, we must strongly appeal for the plans for the development of the pier to now go ahead, for the greater good of the area and the safety of all requiring the use of pier facility.”

Ms Egan stressed: “We are delighted to welcome surfers to Doolin and we do not wish to diminish their concerns in any way — their presence and safety is equally as important as that of anyone else using the facilities in Doolin.

However, she explained that “the level of operations from the pier have far outgrown the existing facility”.

“Congestion levels at the pier, particularly in the context of the current trans-shipment arrangement pose health and safety concerns and risk damaging the perception visitors and tour operators may have of the Doolin area.

“Doolin is home to over 50 B&Bs, 150 self-catering units, four hostels, three hotels and two campsites, which together can accommodate in the region of 3,000 people per night in the high season and all of whom depend on tourism for survival.

“Along with the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren, the Aran Islands are the biggest visitor attraction with up to 1,000 passengers travelling daily to the islands.”

In response to the claim that the number of surfers surfing the local waves is small, chairperson of the West Coast Surf Club, Cliodhna Fawl cited a report on the economic impact of surfing on the north Clare area.

A decision is expected on the application in March.