Plans for the new six million euro pier at Doolin have been withdrawn and a scaled down project will be relodged.
The move by Clare County Council follows concerns raised by surfers about the impact the structure would have had on the world class waves at the North Clare coastal spot and separate issues over the public consultation phase.
The application is being withdrawn by the local authority and a new smaller scale plan will be put forward.
The proposed six million euro development would see the construction of a new access road, pier and rivetment as well as the carrying out of dredging at a site west of the existing Doolin pier.
The project has come under fire from some members of the surfing community however, who say it could have a devastating impact for them.
Following a wave modelling report, changes have been made to the initial plans for the pier – it will be shortened and be placed at a new location. The Council also says issues surrounding land ownership has been resolved, while there is consensus among ferry operators in relation to this development.
Legal advice given to the Council indicated that it could have decided to proceed with the project last evening – however such a decision was deferred under advice from the county manager Tom Coughlan, and the revised plans will now be put through another public consultation process
In a statement, Mr Coughlan said he issued his advice in order to ‘remove any suspicion and to negate suggestions the Council has not consulted fully with the public.’
