Billabong chief says proposed €6m pier a threat to surf tourism potential

THE chief executive of one of the world’s largest surf apparel companies, Billabong, has intervened in the row between surfers and a local authority over a planned pier at Doolin.

In a letter lodged with the Dept of the Environment, Billabong boss, Derek O’Neill claims that the €6 million pier threatens the area’s potential to develop sustainable surf tourism.

The intervention forms part of a late bid by surfers from Ireland and overseas to prevent Clare County Council from proceeding with its contentious plan.

This follows the Department of the Environment confirming yesterday that it has received 176 submissions in response to the council’s application for a foreshore license to construct the pier.

The vast majority of the submissions are from surfers and their associations, while Doolin Tourism and local ferry operators have lodged submissions in support of the licence application.

Earlier this year, the council granted planning to the pier when councillors gave it their unanimous approval in spite of opposition from surfers who claim that the pier will destroy world class waves, Crab Island and Doolin Point at the location. However, in order for the council to proceed, it requires the foreshore licence from the Department of the Environment.

A separate submission by Doolin Tourism states: “This development is vital for our area, for both health and safety and commercial reasons.