A controversial €6 million pier development for the coastal village of Doolin, Co Clare, has been given the go ahead by An Board Pleanala.
The plan had attracted major opposition from surfers in particular, who argued it would negatively affect the world-class surfing spots of Crab Island and Doolin Point.
Clare County Council today welcomed the decision and said it would be meeting the project consultants with a view to commencing the tendering process ?in the near future?. The pier is expected to be completed by early 2015, the council said.
Clare county manager Tom Coughlan said the board?s decision today was ?the result of a comprehensive proposal submitted by the council and extensive consultation with users of the pier as well as the local community?.
Mayor of Clare Pat Daly said he was delighted the green light had finally been given for what he described as ?this vitally important piece of infrastructure?.
?I wish to compliment Clare County Council and its officials for facilitating the process and ensuring that everyone?s voice was heard,? he said.
Mr Daly said the pier would increase the numbers of people visiting Clare, ?considering access to the Aran Islands from the county will be greatly enhanced once the project is completed?.