Golf club does deal in 'right of way' row

A number of west Clare locals will be allowed to drive tractors across a section of the Greg Norman-designed Doonbeg golf course…

A number of west Clare locals will be allowed to drive tractors across a section of the Greg Norman-designed Doonbeg golf course on a limited number of days each year.

This follows a High Court settlement reached yesterday between the golf club and the Cahermore and Caherfeenick Action Group that resolves a four-year-old dispute over a right of way at the €150 million golf resort.

The case between the golf club and five locals, including three farmers, was due to begin in the High Court next Tuesday and last a number of days.

However, after a number of days of negotiations between the golf club and the locals, Ms Sinead Carroll, of the action group, confirmed yesterday that a settlement had been reached and that she was "very pleased" with the outcome, but expressed regret that it has taken four years to achieve.

READ MORE

The settlement recognises the pedestrian right of way to Doughmore beach and grants vehicular use of the right of way to the five on 20 days each year.

The five have also agreed that the right of way can be moved 156 feet from its current location, while the golf club has agreed to provide a 30-space car-park to serve the right of way, with spaces reserved for the five.

Gordon Deegan

Gordon Deegan

Gordon Deegan is a contributor to The Irish Times