Pier plans running three years behind schedule

Contentious plans for a new €6 million pier in Doolin will not now be complete until 2014, at least — three years behind schedule.

Clare County Council official Tom Tiernan made the admission as the public viewed for the first time three separate options for a new pier.

A one-day consultation with surfers, ferry operators and other stake-holders has taken place as the council prepares a planning application and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to lodge to An Bord Pleanála in March.

The council had initially anticipated their pier plan would be in place in 2011.

However, this was before surfers expressed opposition to the plan, claiming the pier would destroy world-class waves off Doolin.

Surfers had the support of Fáilte Ireland in their opposition and, last year, members of the county council gave their unanimous approval to construct the pier — which will act as a gateway to the Aran Islands.

However, An Bord Pleanála ruled that the application required an EIS following a submission by the surfers.

Mr Tiernan confirmed the cost of compiling the EIS and other reports is between €100,000 to €120,000.

The three options on display are the proposals that received planning last year by the council; an extension of the existing pier and a pier further north, away from the Crab Island wave.

Mr Tiernan said the council has no preference as to which proposal proceeds.

He said: “They are all on a level pitch at the moment and we will be taking into account the submissions we receive.”

It is expected it will take six months for a decision from An Bord Pleanála.

Mr Tiernan said he hopes construction on the new pier will continue through 2013 and be in place for the 2014 summer season.

“It is a key piece of infrastructure that will bring huge economic benefits for north Clare,” Mr Tiernan added.

Currently, at low tide, passengers bound for the Aran Islands have to be transferred by currach to the waiting ferry off the existing small pier.