Main pic: One of the holes at Narin and Portnoo Golf Course.
A local community group has weighed in behind a ‘retention’ application for controversial boundary fencing and other works at a west Donegal golf club.
Liam McDevitt is seeking to retain a number of changes including an electric fence and a gate at an entrance at Narin and Portnoo Golf Course.
Earlier this year, Mr McDevitt was refused permission by Donegal County Council for similar developments. As a result, he was given one month to remove the fence and gate. However, he has resubmitted the application with some slight alterations.
One organisation, Narin & Portnoo Community Action Group (NPCAG), made a submission to the council in support of Mr McDevitt’s application.
In its submission, NPCAG said the links is an important business in the area that provides jobs, attracts tourists and ‘runs an amazing restaurant for us all to enjoy.’
In relation to the fencing, it argued it is necessary to: “stop trespassers walking aimlessly along the 8th hole where golfers can’t see over the hill when they hit their tee shots and will eliminate a danger to all.” It will also stop ‘human pollution’ of the dunes, they added, which is caused by the breaking of the marram grass, leaving the dunes susceptible to erosion.
“Also, Narin & Portnoo Links have submitted to Donegal County Council an incredible and safe walking amenity for the area,” they also said.
The submission was signed by 273 people. NPCAG also told Donegal Daily that members of ten local households had submitted letters of support. They said there was also a submission of support from Narin & Portnoo Golf Club, on behalf of trustees, management committee and members.
When the submission deadline closed last week, almost 60 submissions in total were received.
Objectors argued that, as a result of the development, a public right-of-way to Castlegoland Beach had been blocked and the local environment damaged.
According to documents lodged by the applicant with the council, the fencing is along dunes to the north-western tip of the course in an area designated as ‘especially high scenic amenity.’
Mr McDevitt also seeks to retain other works carried out there. These include planted screening berms (banking), over two metres in height, in an area formerly used for car parking near to the practice putting green and clubhouse; an accessway through the berms on land formerly part of the car park; a water storage tank and associated site works within the maintenance storage yard in the centre of the course.
Planners are due to make a decision on the application by December 12th.
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