A rare species of snail would be better off if the site where 10 million of them live in Co Clare was a well-managed golf course rather than grazed by cattle, the High Court was told yesterday.
An environmental scientist and conchologist, Ms Evelyn Moorkens, engaged by the Irish National Golf Club Ltd to survey and report on the potential impact on the snail, vertigo angustior, of the company's proposed golf course development at Doonbeg, said she had prepared a report which formed the basis of a written submission by consultants to An Bord Pleanala last year.
Ms Moorkens said opponents of the development had selectively quoted from her report and failed to mention that she said it was likely a well-managed golf course would be more desirable for the snail than cattle grazing.
She added that it was likely the snail population at the site was lower than before intensive cattle grazing began. The aim of the management plan was to ensure a viable population of vertigo angustior, she said.
Yesterday was the fourth day of an action in which An Taisce's environment committee chairman, Mr Tony Lowes, claims a central area of the habitat of the snail will be disturbed because the area is excluded from a management agreement for the golf course.
Planning permission for the golf course and 80 holiday homes, chalets and a leisure centre was granted last year to the company, subject to conditions.
Mr Lowes claims a management agreement entered into last November by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands is not in accordance with a management plan or planning permission in that it excludes from conservation guarantees 3.366 hectares which comprise the snails' central habitat. The area includes the fairways.
The proceedings are against the golf club company; the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands; the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation; and the State. Last January Mr Lowes was granted a temporary order stopping work on the site. The hearing continues on Tuesday.