Protected bat threatens centre of excellence plans for All-Ireland champions Clare

Special Area of Conservation close to planned site

Proposals by All Ireland hurling champions Clare to expand and redevelop a GAA centre of excellence are under threat due to concerns about the impact on the EU-protected Lesser Horseshoe Bat.

Proposals by All-Ireland hurling champions Clare to expand and redevelop a GAA centre of excellence are under threat due to concerns about the impact on the EU-protected Lesser Horseshoe Bat.

The Department of Local Government has told Clare County Council to carry out a study to determine if the Clare GAA proposal will significantly impact the nearby Newgrove House, which is a designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC) due to the presence of the Lesser Horseshoe Bat.