An Bord Pleanála has refused permission, largely on ecological grounds, for an 18-hole golf course on Inchydoney Island, Co Cork, in a ruling that could have implications for similar proposals elsewhere.
Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE) had appealed against Cork County Council's decision to permit the golf course at Cloheen Strand Intake, adjoining a proposed Special Area of Conservation on Clonakilty Bay.
The appeals board ruled that the proposed development by Mr Colin Healy would have "significant negative impacts" on nature conservation in the area, which was of "high ecological value" particularly as a wildbird habitat.
It said the main feeding area for Black Tailed Godwits "will be lost" and that the developer's environmental impact statement "lacks any assessment of alternatives [for a golf course] which might be less ecologically damaging". The board also said the proposed golf course would "endanger public safety" by creating a hazard to passing traffic and pedestrians and that any mitigating roadside netting would be obtrusive in "this visually sensitive area".
Commenting on the outcome of its appeal, FIE said An Bord Pleanála had made a "landmark decision for nature conservation", which contained a "clear message" for the golf links planned for Bartragh Island, off the Mayo coast. An Taisce has warned that plans by golfer Nick Faldo to turn the island into "the best and most unique golf links in the world", could have a serious impact on its status as a Special Protection Area for birds.
FIE's appeal in the Clonakilty case was supported by An Taisce, which was also involved in a long drawn-out battle to save Cloheen Strand Intake from a golf course development in 1997 as part of the Inchydoney resort scheme.