The presence of a rare snail on one of Ireland's most famous golf links has put on hold plans by Lahinch Golf Club to carry out vital coastal protection work to prevent erosion of the course.
Four years ago, the 2mm vertigo angustior achieved national prominence after it was discovered on the site of the then proposed €25 million Greg Norman-designed Doonbeg golf course, which is located 15 miles south of Lahinch on Clare's coast.
The presence of the snail provoked a High Court challenge by environmentalists. However, they failed to stop the Doonbeg development proceeding.
This year Lahinch Golf Club lodged plans with Clare County Council to carry out protection work. In a letter to the council, consultants for the club said they believed the work would have a positive ecological impact as it would prevent erosion. Temporary disturbance was inevitable.
The council has told the golf club the information submitted was insufficient to enable it make a complete assessment of the planning application.
The council states: "The vertigo angustior is known to be present in the vicinity of the proposed works. Please submit information outlining the known areas where this species is present, and detail measures that will be taken to avoid or protect it whilst works are being carried out."
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