SPECIAL REPORT DAY 3: How the floods changed Ireland

County Clare’s position on Ireland’s rugged west coast has proved a boon over the years — but it’s not without its pitfalls, writes Noel Baker.

As storms careered in from the Atlantic at the end of December and into January, many famous points along the west Clare coastline bore the brunt of the damage. The images of huge waves hurtling into Lahinch abounded, as did the aftermath when much of the town’s famous promenade was smashed.

As we see, some of the damage has already been repaired by Clare County Council but much more needs to be done. A report by the local authority put the cost at more than €33m, not including substantial damage caused to private properties, such as Doonbeg Golf course and the Shannon Airport Embankment.