Golf course plan out of bounds

PLANS to build a multi-million euro golf course at Inch, on the Dingle Peninsula, have received a further setback, with Environment Minister Dick Roche refusing to give the project the green light.

He told project promoters the development would not be compatible with the conservation of the Inch sandspit.

The course’s designer, Dr Arthur Spring, last night expressed disappointment and said they would be assessing the project to see what step to take next.

An Bord Pleanála approved the project in 1997 but it has since been held due to conservation and environmental issues.

Dr Spring, however, claimed a well-planned golf course development would only enhance the Inch environment.

“Our scientists say a golf course would be the savour 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 in favour of flora and fauna,’’ he said.

“The minister doesn’t seem to take on the board the fact that our plans have already gone through the planning process.’’

Dr Spring also said the local economy needed a boost and a golf course would be the same value as a factory to the area.

Inch, which boasts one of the finest beaches in the south-west, has largely missed out on tourism development in the peninsula.

“Up to 20,000 golfers would be coming into the place each year,’’ Dr Spring said. “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.’’

The land in question has been earmarked a Special Area of Conservation and, for that reason, a golf course needs the all-clear from the Minister for Environment.

Former Environment Minister Martin Cullen also expressed reservations about the project when he held the portfolio, after being told by State experts the development would cause “loss of and damage to the habitat of the area”.