Why close off lands around golf courses?

DONAL HICKEY, in his report on planning controversies over caravan parks in Castlegregory, Co Kerry, says there are moves to build two golf courses on 740 acres of a sandy peninsula there (Irish Examiner, October 5).

This will then be closed to the public forever - just like the Old Head of Kinsale.

As a golfer, I have no problem with the construction of two courses, which will occupy some 360 acres, but I do regret the fact that the remaining 380 acres will also be closed off, with access path to beach only.

Would not An Taisce, or some equivalent State agency, be better off acquiring this land and leasing the required area to golf developers?

Look at what was done in Portstewart, Co Derry, to maintain the sandhills there for the public.

The sandhills in Castlegregory in future will be enjoyed by just a few privileged individuals

It appears An Taisce is being used by certain interests to clear the area of holiday trailers by closing caravan parks in order to make the area more presentable for visiting golfers.

David O’Donovan

6 Aylsbury Crescent

Ballincollig

Co Cork