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CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL has given the green light for a new ballroom at the Trump Doonbeg golf resort in west Clare, which is owned by the US president.
However, before work can commence on the permanent ballroom structure that will have capacity for 320 persons, the council is requiring Trump Doonbeg firm TIGL Ireland Enterprises Ltd to draw up a management plan for the protected snail, the 2mm Vertigo angustior.
In one of the 14 conditions attached to the permission, the council has requested Trump Doonbeg to submit the Vertigo angustior management plan to the council for approval and the plan is to include conservation management actions to restore favourable status of the Vertigo angustior on the Trump Doonbeg lands.
The rare snail is protected under the EU habitats directive.
Along with the management plan, Trump Doonbeg is to also draw up a programme of monitoring of the Vertigo angustior to be agreed with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), for the maintenance of favourable conservation status.
The council state that the reason for inserting the condition concerning the Vertigo angustior is to provide for adequate protection measures for areas of conservation importance and to ensure compliance with the EU Habitats Directive.
As part of a raft of reports lodged with the planning application by the applicant firm, a report concluded that the proposed works “will have no impact on Vertigo angustior, and no mitigation or further action is required”.
The council granted planning permission for the proposal after concluding that the ballroom proposal would not seriously injure the amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity.
The microscopic snail species hampered the development plans of Doonbeg golf resort’s previous owners.
After he bought the resort for €15 million in 2014, Trump visited Doonbeg and said he would be “very protective” of the Vertigo angustior.
“We want to work together with certain environmental people – but they’ve been terrific, and as you know we’ve already got lots of approvals,” he said.
He said he would work with the community ”to do what’s proper.”
Resort general manager at Trump Doonbeg Joe Russell said today: “We are naturally very pleased that Clare County Council has granted planning permission for the proposed ballroom development at Trump Ireland.
“This represents a very important step in the continued evolution of the resort. The ballroom will significantly strengthen our ability to grow the weddings, corporate, incentive and events markets, while complementing the scale and character of the existing property.
Russell said: “Crucially, this development also supports our long-term strategy of transitioning the resort from a traditionally seasonal operation to a fully year-round destination.
“Expanded indoor event capacity will allow us to drive business during the shoulder and winter months, supporting employment stability, local suppliers and the wider West Clare economy throughout the year.”
Asked whether Trump planning to attend Trump Doonbeg for the Amgen Irish Open in September, Russell said: “While we believe he would like to visit, we have no confirmed information regarding any visit by President Trump during the Irish Open.”
On the preparations for the event, Russell said: “Preparations are progressing extremely well for the Amgen Irish Open. We are working in close collaboration with the DP World Tour and key stakeholders at both local and national level to ensure the event is delivered to the very highest international standard.
He said: “Ticket sales are performing strongly, which is a clear reflection of the excitement already building around the event. Engagement with the local community has been hugely positive, and there is a genuine sense of anticipation as we look ahead to September.
“We understand that player announcements will begin in the coming weeks, which will further accelerate momentum and interest.”
On the economic dividend that the hosting of the event will provide for Trump Doonbeg and the wider Clare area, Russell said: “Hosting the Irish Open will deliver a meaningful economic dividend, both directly and indirectly.
He said: “For Trump Ireland, it provides global broadcast exposure, incremental high-value visitor numbers, and powerful long-term brand positioning within the international golf market.
“Importantly, this event will follow on the back of the Walker Cup in Lahinch, reinforcing Ireland’s position as one of the world’s premier golf destinations. Together, these marquee events elevate the entire national golf offering and strengthen Ireland’s reputation on the global stage.”
He said that “combined with our ballroom development and broader investment strategy, the Irish Open forms part of a long-term commitment to positioning Doonbeg and County Clare as a year-round, world-class tourism destination”.
Russell said that he anticipates that the course at Trump Doonbeg will be closed for approximately two weeks in advance of the championship to allow for build-out, infrastructure installation, and course preparation.
The planning authority has granted planning permission for the ballroom and other upgrade works at the resort after a wave of local support resulted in several local organisations, including Doonbeg GAA, Doonbeg’s Men’s Shed, and Doonbeg Community Development Ltd lodging submissions in support of the proposal.
The Council received 17 third party submissions. Some 13 were in favour of the proposal and Doonbeg GAA told the council that if granted, the proposed works “will significantly increase and enhance the tourism product on offer in the area and provide long term sustainable employment which is so badly needed”.
On the plan to replace existing “outdated” temporary events structures, including a marquee, with the new permanent ballroom, planning consultants for Trump Doonbeg, Cunnane Stratton Reynolds stated that the need for the ballroom “is reinforced by the socio-economic role of Trump International Golf Links and Hotel within west Clare”.
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