IRELAND lays claim to approximately 26 per cent of the world's 150 links golf courses - a staggering statistic for a country of its size. Quite a number of these are held in very high esteem internationally, while places like Ballybunion, Portmarnock, Royal Portrush and Lahinch are household names wherever golf is played.

So, we can rightly assert that Ireland is famous for its links courses. But what precisely is a links golf course? It is a course developed on land which links the sea with arable terrain.

To the environmentalist, links land represents an interesting ecosystem characterised by towering, primary dune formations, less distinctive secondary dune formations and rolling meadows. The flora associated with such ecosystems are halophytic: they can endure drought and are also capable of binding loose sand particles in a manner that prevents erosion.

Rare flora can be found on these sites though neither as a matter of course nor on an extensive basis. Only two species listed in the 1976 Wildlife Act (revised Flora Protection Order 1987), are known to favour marine shingle and sandhills. Fauna range from the ubiquitous hare and rabbit, with associated predators, to species of snail, the best known being Helix Pisnna.

These factors cause the environmentalist to see links land as a complicated ecosystem that has evolved over thousands of years and which should remain intact. The golfer, on the other hand, sees a links course as little other than a traditional test of golf.

Given the divergent interests of both groups, it is to be expected that debate should arise on the future of these developments.

All the more so, after the recent signing into Irish law of a European directive that purports to protect special areas of conservation and areas of national heritage from damage that might arise from development. Included in these areas are most, if not all, of our links golf courses.

The legislation is to be administered by the Office of Public Works and although matters are somewhat vague at the moment, the first, unofficial rumblings suggest we may have seen the last of links course development. If this proves to be the case, it would viewed by the golfing community as a travesty of justice.

There is a perception among those outside the game that developers, greenkeepers and golf club committees have scant regard for the ecosystem in which they operate. With a few unfortunate exceptions, nothing could be further from the truth.

On average, a links course of 18 holes occupies 180 acres of, which 55 acres are used for tee, green and fairway space. So, between 30 and 40 per cent of the land is intensively managed while the balance - the rough, areas - is allowed to grow as nature intended. Roughs are not cut, are not treated with herbicide, fertilisers, insecticides, nor are they irrigated.

Fauna are encouraged and an early morning visit to any links will reveal the diversity of wild life that inhabit such areas.

Erosion, whether by sea or wind, is a serious threat to all dune systems. And the pristine condition in which the dune systems of links courses are maintained, contrasts markedly with derelict dune site where erosion has left a scarred landscape.

What are the alternative uses of links land? Are they to be preserved as derelict sites? If so, will the control be as good; as in a golfing environment? The current situation at Bettystown throws some light on these questions.

The golf course is litter free has large areas of undisturbed linksland vegetation and many fine dunes. The adjoining public lands are strewn with litter; dunes are completely denuded of vegetation, while erosion is widespread. There is no fauna in the area. In a word, it is an eyesore. In this context, golfers are entitled to ask what the so called concerned environmentalists are doing to rectify the problem.

Golfers make the case that links golf is part of our heritage and should be both protected and encouraged by statute, rather than be labelled as something that should never have been permitted in the first place. Committees and greenkeepers should be seen as curators who, through their work, are worthy of being trusted with our heritage.

An objective visit to any links course would assure the environmentalist that there is no cause for concern; that the land is in safe hands. Indeed further links development should be welcomed, provided it is subject to proper, environmental controls. In this way, both sides could work together.