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.