Islanders urge council to press ahead with pier despite surfers’ concerns

ARAN ISLANDERS have told Clare County Council the development of a new pier at Doolin was vital for the future of Inis Oirr in terms of potential job creation and the sustainability of the island population.

The island co-op Comhar Caomhán Teo urged the council to give the go-ahead to a €6 million plan for a new mainland pier.

Doolin acts as a gateway to the Aran Islands with Inis Oirr lying closest to the north Clare coastal village. The revised pier plan is facing opposition from surfer groups who fear the development will destroy ‘world-class waves’.