Snail triumphs - Doonbeg windfarm rejected

AMERICAN billionaire Donald Trump does not seem a natural eco warrior but yesterday’s An Bord Pleanála ruling that brought a four-year battle over a proposed windfarm near his Doonbeg golf resort to an end may cause the Republican presidential hopeful a moment’s pause for thought.

Mr Trump’s concerns — that the development would make his high-end resort less attractive to international visitors —was rejected but submissions warning about the impact the energy project might have on the Doonbeg River’s pearl mussels convinced planners the project was inappropriate.

In 2013, An Bord Pleanála refused planning permission to a 2011 plan to construct a 45-turbine windfarm at Doonbeg but yesterday’s ruling precludes even the nine-turbine project most recently under review. We import 90% of our energy and though we must protect our environment, it is essential we find alternative sources. Yesterday’s decision may not encourage investors to take up that challenge. It is also fair to ask if, in the bigger picture, protecting a snail is more important than reducing our carbon footprint.