Putting the case for eco-friendly golfing
But, for every argument against golf links in such areas, you’ll a find a case being made in favour, with claims even that golf is good for nature.
The survival of the rare natterjack toad in a few Irish links is often highlighted as an example of golf’s reputed compatibility with nature. The skylark, which has been declining, can also be found on many links.
It’s now very difficult for developers to get permission to construct golf links (seaside courses) in Ireland, with Dr Arthur Spring’s plans for Inch, in Co Kerry, being a case in point.
However, a recent decision in Scotland — long recognised as the home of golf — could resonate here. At Machrihanish, on the Argyll Peninsula, in west Scotland, approval has been given for the creation of a new links through coastal dunes.
There are very few natural dune sites in the world where development of any kind is permitted. These valuable habitats for coastal protection and specialised wildlife are protected by international agreements, usually in the form of Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) in Ireland, that prevent any change to their use.
Interestingly, at Machrihanish, with the full support of Scottish Natural Heritage, a new links development has been given the go-ahead on land designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Poor quality grazing and lack of appropriate management to preserve the dunes and associated vegetation persuaded Scottish Natural Heritage to approve the application.
Steve Isaac, assistant director of golf course management at the Royal and Ancient (R&A), golf’s ruling body, was enthusiastic after visiting the site.
“This is an impressive project, a sustainable proposal for sympathetic development of the site,” he said. “This is exactly the type of development we have been promoting&.”
Australian entrepreneur Brian Keating, who is of Irish-descent, leads the development team and golf-course architect David McLay Kidd has been asked to mould a natural course within the existing landscape. Earthworks will be minimal and drainage is unnecessary and the indigenous grasses are those on which golf originated.
There are only around 200 true links in the world, according to Keating. “It is our intention to develop Machrihanish Dunes in the spirit of the golf pioneers and build a course that reminds us of the way golf began,” he added.
Renowned Irish golf course designer Dr Arthur Spring would love to be able to say exactly the same thing about his proposal for a links at Inch, in the Dingle Peninsula.
The problem is Environment Minister Dick Roche refusing to give the green light to the project. Mr Roche has told Dr Spring and the project’s promoters that such a development would not be compatible conserving the Inch sandspit.
An Bord Pleanála approved the project in 1997, but it has since been held up due to conservation and environmental issues. The land in question has been earmarked as a Special Area of Conservation and, for that reason, a golf course there needs the all-clear from the minister.
The previous Environment Minister, Martin Cullen, also opposed the project on the grounds that it would result in a significant loss of and damage to the habitat of the area.
Dr Spring argues a well-planned golf course development would enhance the Inch environment, as well having major economic benefits for an area that badly needs development.
“Our scientists say a golf course would be the saviour of the environment. They point to the benefits of a golf course in Castlegregory, on the other side of the Dingle Peninsula, where it is working very much in favour of flora and fauna,” he said.
Dr Spring, a brother of former Tánaiste and Labour party leader Dick Spring, is now making a case in support of the Inch proposal to Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, who is also a keen golfer.
Though Inch has one of the finest beaches in the south-west, it has largely missed out on tourism development. Some scenes for Ryan’s Daughter and other films were shot against the magnificent Atlantic backdrop at Inch.
Dr Spring reckons a top-quality links would lure up to 20,000 golfers per year to the area. “I believe there’s room for a golf course on the 1,250 acres at Inch. There’s room for both golf and protection of the environment,” he said.
Meanwhile, just a short distance across the bay from Inch is Dooks Golf Club, where the natterjack toad is reported to be thriving. The club at Dooks has an ongoing nature conservation programme on its links.
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