Concern has been expressed that considerable damage is being done to fragile dunes, flora and fauna as a result of extensive landscaping and redesigning works at one of Donegal's finest golf links.
Over the past two weeks, an estimated five hectares of dunes adjacent to the 'Blue Flag' beach at Portnoo have been affected by works being carried out as part of plans by Narin and Portnoo Golf Club to provide two new holes to the course.
But a major row is brewing over whether planning permission is required. Although the area concerned is not designated as a Special Area of Conservation, it is immediately beside one.
According to Donegal Co Council, no planning permission is required if there is no threat to the adjoining SAC area, or if the development is within the confines of the existing course. However, if it is regarded as being a threat to an adjacent SAC then planning permission will be required.
"The council is currently attempting to clarify this matter with the Heritage Service," a spokesman said. "As things stand, if it does not require planning permission there is no basis to stop the work."
In the meantime, the work is continuing and there are fears that even if planning permission is now required, it will be too late and the damage will have been done. "This damage should be stopped immediately and an Environmental Impact Assessment should be carried out on behalf of the local authority," stated Mr Richard Nairn, an environmental scientist, who has inspected the site. He maintains that the current excavation works could have a direct effect on adjacent dunes which are a priority habitat under the EU Habitats Directive.
"If this was taking place on the Bull Island in Dublin Bay, there would be a public outcry. Beach-dune systems are very fragile and easily damaged by heavy machinery. Once permanently under a golf course they are lost forever to the natural environment," he added.
At a recent extraordinary general meeting of the golf club there was some disquiet among some members about proceeding with the development plans.
However, the captain of the golf club, Mr David Kelly, said that they were trying to develop sporting amenities to entice people to visit the area.
"We met with Duchas (the Heritage Service) and they were satisfied that we were not working in any area that was an SAC and not causing any damage to any related area.
"We feel that we are working within the boundaries of our course and the professional advice to us was that it would be exempt from planning permission."
Narin and Portnoo Golf Club, founded in 1930, was enlarged in 1965. An extension to the clubhouse was added in 1990 and in 2001 the club purchased lands for £750,000 with a view to further development.
Local members of An Taisce will meet tonight over concerns about the destruction of the sand dunes.