THE CHIEF executive of one of the world’s largest surf apparel companies, Billabong, has intervened in a row between surfers and a local authority over a planned pier at Doolin, Co Clare.
The Department of the Environment confirmed yesterday that it has received 176 submissions in response to the council’s application for a foreshore licence to construct the pier.
The majority of the submissions are from surfers and their associations, while Doolin Tourism and local ferry operators have made submissions supporting the licence application.
In a letter lodged with the department, Billabong boss Derek O’Neill says the €6 million pier threatens the area’s potential to develop sustainable surf tourism.
Mr O’Neill leads the Australian-based publicly quoted company which has a market capitalisation of AUS$2 billion and employs 9,000. The intervention by the multinational boss forms part of a late bid by surfers from Ireland and overseas to prevent Clare County Council from proceeding with its plan.
This year the council granted planning for the pier when councillors gave it their unanimous approval. Surfers claim the pier will destroy world-class waves at Crab Island and Doolin Point.
In order for the council to proceed it requires the foreshore licence from the Department of the Environment.
In his letter Mr O’Neill states: “While I understand that the surf industry and surf tourism remains in its infancy in Ireland, I urge you to view it as a highly valuable asset and one not only worthy of preservation but worthy of investment”.
Mr O’Neill says the Doolin Point wave is lucky enough to have the right combination of swell direction and reef shape to make it “one of the best surfing waves” in Europe. “It is my view that your current plans for the proposed Doolin pier threaten the quality of these waves and therefore the area’s potential to develop sustainable surf tourism and, potentially, a surf industry”
Mr O’Neill’s letter forms part of the submission lodged by the Irish Surf Association and the Clare-based West Coast Surf Club.
However, in a letter in support of the pier the Doolin Community Harbour Co-op states: “We feel that it is vital for the greater good of all the users of Doolin pier that the department grant the necessary foreshore licence and bring this development to a successful conclusion as a matter of urgency and safety for all concerned”.
A separate submission by Doolin Tourism states: “This development is vital for our area, for both health and safety and commercial reasons”.
The closing date for submissions has expired, and a spokesman for the department said the council would now be given an opportunity to respond to the submissions.
“Once that response is received, the department will evaluate the application, together with all submissions. It is likely that a number of weeks will be required to complete this part of the process,” he said.
