Destruction of sand dunes at beach near Donald Trump's Clare hotel caused by visitors, wildlife inspector says
A wildlife inspector said the destruction of sand dunes at a beach beside Donald Trump's luxury Irish hotel was unlikely to be halted by a simple fencing project.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service agreed to a €3,500 trial for temporarily erecting a chestnut fence at two locations at Doughmore Beach in Doonbeg, Co Clare.
It said it was working with the Trump Doonbeg resort and locals to try and combat erosion and plant marram grass to hold sand together.
However, in internal discussions, a senior wildlife inspector said fencing as a 'single one-off action' was not recommended because it would not address the underlying cause of damage.
An email said problems with sand dunes were usually caused by beach visitors or grazing animals and fencing could only be temporary or short-term.
It said fencing was unlikely to deter visitors from climbing dunes and any project needed to be backed up by communication for 'changing people's behaviour".
The message said: 'Well-designed positive signage can be helpful, but in practice, it seems like the most effective approach is to have a physical presence on the beach at peak times.
'A part-time warden or education officer at peak times can help people to use the beach in a more sustainable way.'
It also said fencing could create its own problems by trapping sand, where it could pile up while doing nothing to support the dunes.
The email continued: 'If people have developed a habit of accessing specific locations, they are likely to find a way to continue their normal activities in spite of the fencing … or they might move on to another spot, so the impact is simply diverted.'
It said the Doonbeg beach would need a particularly good communications plan so local people understood why access was being restricted.
The email said there were tracks running through the dunes parallel to the shore that represented a 'serious vulnerability to … stability".
'The important message is to encourage people to walk and sit on the beach, rather than in or near the fore dunes, and to bring their own beach shelters if they need them,' the email said.
The wildlife inspector said particular care would need to be taken with one section of dune and fencing there could make things worse.
An email said: 'The foot traffic in this area seems pretty consistent, and it could be that the erosion was exacerbated by the loss of the foredune due to trampling.
'Keeping people off the area is the first step to take. The question is, if you erect a fence at the base, is sand going to build up there?'
Asked about the conservation work at Doughmore Beach, the NPWS said it had been working closely with the landowner and the local community to protect an important ecological site.
A spokesperson said: 'A plan was developed which involves the temporary seasonal erection of chestnut fencing at two locations of concern along the beach. This will be complemented by marram [grass] planting at the two locations.
'Labour for the project will be provided by the landowner, and members of the local community will assist in the marram planting.'
Read More
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
6 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
‘I felt and feel lucky', says Ryan Tubridy as he reveals romantic way he popped the question to fiance Clare
RYAN Tubridy has revealed the romantic way he popped the question to his fiance Dr Clare Kambamettu. The 2 Ryan Tubridy proposed to his long-term partner Clare during a romantic getaway Credit: Terrie Burton Noir Photique 2 The radio host has opened up about the proposal Credit: Getty Images - Getty The pair have since kept the inner details of their love under wraps and while Ryan hadn't planned on revealing the news just yet, he was forced to come clean after a jewellers let it slip that he had visited their store. The radio host, who shared the news with his listeners on Tuesday, has now revealed how he carefully planned the romantic proposal to his long-term partner. Writing in his Mail on Sunday column, he said: "I don't want to give all the details but I do want to share a few moments because some people were enormously helpful along the way." READ MORE ON RYAN TUBRIDY Ryan explained that he had always planned to buy the ring in Clifden, an area which him and Clare both love and where the local jewellers has been a long-standing family run business. He explained: "I've also been preaching about shopping local for years so I wasn't going to Tiffany's… I called Jonty Daly in O'Dalaigh's and asked for some guidance and I can tell you, the man's a diamond!" The podcaster then went on to say: "The care, attention and thought he put into every detail was above and beyond, right down to him driving out to Renvyle House Hotel to deliver the 'package' to Anne Marie Kelly, the incomparable general manager there. It was all so much fun and it felt distinctly Irish." Ryan has often spoken about his love for the West Coast of Ireland, and this proposal showed just how much the area means to the pair. MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN He said: "By the Atlantic shore, I asked the important question and thankfully, the answer was in the affirmative – and so began the most gorgeous weekend." The 52-year-old revealed that the "staff and joyful hotel patrons" helped make each part "feel special". Donncha O'Callaghan has Ryan Tubridy in stitches He added: "We called into Jonty the next day to thank him and his staff; there was a little confusion about online stories but that was entirely at my end. Jonty did not let the cat out of the bag, it was an innocent miscommunication and we're all firm friends. "In fact, he joined us at The Abbeyglen Castle Hotel that evening where my cousin Brian Hughes and his amazing wife, Michelle, raised a few glasses with another cousin, Rachael Coyle and her brilliant husband, Shane. "Another lovely night was had that ended with songs at the piano! After that, it was Scrabble, cycling and sleeping before boarding a plane in Shannon and heading to the skies a different man with a whole new vista ahead. I felt and feel lucky, happy and ready for another welcome twist in the tale." Earlier this week, the dad-of-two told his Virgin Radio UK listeners: "I have a little bit of news that I was kind of keeping a little bit to myself - to ourselves. "Even though I'm a public person doing the job I do, I also have quite a lot of privacy that I like to keep to myself. HAPPY COUPLE "However, the cat has been removed from the bag for a number of reasons and I'm very, very, very happy to confirm that I did indeed get engaged to my partner Clare on Thursday evening in the West of Ireland." Speaking about his longterm love, Tubs previously told The Irish Sun: "She has brought an awful lot of joy into my life and happiness and support. "I don't want to talk too much about her, because my private life has always stayed private. "But I think anyone who has met or knows Clare will know exactly why we are seeing each other. I feel very lucky." Asked at the time if the clinical psychologist, who he first interviewed on his RTE Radio One show in March 2023, had been a major support during the last six months. Tubs replied: "Remarkably so."
Irish Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ryan Tubridy opens up about romantic proposal to Dr Clare Kambamettu
Ex-RTE star Ryan Tubridy has shared the details of his romantic proposal to his long-term girlfriend, Dr Clare Kambamettu. The radio presenter and podcast host popped the question last week, informing his listeners on Tuesday about the wonderful news. Now, he has shared the details of where he got down on one knee, as well as how he chose the perfect ring. After a trip to Japan, the Virgin Radio host flew back to Ireland to prepare for what he called a "life-changing" experience. "I don't want to give all the details but I do want to share a few moments because some people were enormously helpful along the way," he said. "Firstly, I knew I wanted to buy the ring in Clifden where the local jewellery shop has been a beautiful and important family concern for decades, and both myself and Clare love the area. "I've also been preaching about shopping local for years so I wasn't going to Tiffany's… I called Jonty Daly in O'Dalaigh's and asked for some guidance and I can tell you, the man's a diamond!" Writing in his Mail on Sunday column, the father-of-two added: "The care, attention and thought he put into every detail was above and beyond, right down to him driving out to Renvyle House Hotel to deliver the 'package' to Anne Marie Kelly, the incomparable general manager there. It was all so much fun and it felt distinctly Irish." Ryan has spoken many times about his love for the west coast of Ireland, so it's only fitting that the couple had their special moment there. "By the Atlantic shore, I asked the important question and thankfully, the answer was in the affirmative – and so began the most gorgeous weekend," he said. Tubridy also cleared up confusion that the jewellers had accidentally announced his engagement. "The staff and joyful hotel patrons helped make it all feel special. We called into Jonty the next day to thank him and his staff; there was a little confusion about online stories but that was entirely at my end. Jonty did not let the cat out of the bag, it was an innocent miscommunication and we're all firm friends. "In fact, he joined us at The Abbeyglen Castle Hotel that evening where my cousin Brian Hughes and his amazing wife, Michelle, raised a few glasses with another cousin, Rachael Coyle and her brilliant husband, Shane. "Another lovely night was had that ended with songs at the piano! After that, it was Scrabble, cycling and sleeping before boarding a plane in Shannon and heading to the skies a different man with a whole new vista ahead. I felt and feel lucky, happy and ready for another welcome twist in the tale."
The Irish Sun
16 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I visited Ireland's most charming town – it feeds the soul, fuels the belly, & fills your camera roll with beauty
IF THERE'S one word in the English language that perfectly captures the feeling of warmth, safety, and comfort — a true home away from home — it's nest. And there's no better nest, in my opinion, than the beautiful town of Kenmare, Co 6 Kenmare in Co Kerry is the perfect spot for a staycation Credit: Getty Images - Getty 6 Kathryn Thomas and her family stayed in the charming town 6 The spot is located between the Ring of Beara and the iconic Ring of Kerry Credit: Getty Images - Getty Or as it's known in Irish, neidin— which, fittingly, means 'little nest.' The name says it all. Of all the jaw-droppingly gorgeous coastal towns in Tucked between the majestic Ring of Beara and the iconic Ring of Kerry, and nestled between the sea and the mountains, Kenmare is the kind of place people visit and immediately wish they lived. It's where nature meets charm, and where tranquillity meets with a good dose of Kerry craic. READ MORE ON STAYCATION My own connection to Kenmare runs deep. My mum grew up here before moving to In a beautiful full-circle moment, she's now returned and is living her best life in the town she once called home. Between the close-knit community, the scenic A Most read in the Irish Sun Three nights is enough time to do the long drive down from Dublin and still feel the stresses of everyday life melt away. Our base for the weekend was the newly refurbished Lansdowne Kenmare, brilliantly run by Aileen and Patrick Hanley. The short Irish train journey perfect for summer day out with 'stunning views' Once owned by the legendary Breakfast kicked things off in the best possible way — smoked trout and poached eggs, simple and delicious. Then we meandered down the road to Bean and Batch for a second coffee and some indulgent cakes we definitely didn't need but absolutely enjoyed. I mean they don't call Kenmare a gourmet town for nothing! TIMELESS SPOTS Padraig headed off to play 18 holes at the stunning Kenmare Golf Club with my mum (yes, she's still swinging with style), while the girls and I explored the town on foot with some friends. We ambled through boutiques and craft shops before wandering down along the River Finnihy on the pretty River Na Grios It's peaceful, picturesque, and the perfect way to work up an appetite. Lunch brought us to the Park Hotel Kenmare, one of those timeless, graceful spots that's as much about the atmosphere as it is the Sitting out in the sunshine with a glass of rosé and views of Kenmare Bay with the sun splitting the stones - it's hard otherwise beat! DAY TRIP TO WATERFALL The next day, we ventured a little further afield to Gleninchaquin Park, just a 15-minute drive from town. The hike up the waterfall is breathtaking, quite literally — you'll earn your lunch, but it's so worth it. The views from the top stretch out over lush green valleys and craggy ridges. Nature showing off at its finest. Sunday evening brought us west, driving through the colourful village of Sneem and on towards O'Carroll's Cove — one of Ireland's only white-sand beaches. SOME CATCH The kids tucked into fish and chips while we went for the catch of the day - the most delicious fresh hake with roast potatoes I've eaten for a long time. Possibly made even more delicious eating it while watching the girls playing in the sand as the sun began to dip. Live music drifted from the beach For our final dinner, we booked a table at Mulcahy's, and I wish I could say we all sampled different things to give you a proper recommendation — but one of our friends had hyped up the Beef Wellington so much that we all ordered it. Zero regrets. It was melt-in-the-mouth magic. REFINED CHARMS Back in the day, Kenmare was fondly nicknamed 'Henmare' for its popularity with stag and hen parties. The Square Pint nightclub is long gone, and with it the late-night revelry. Now, a more mature, relaxed crowd comes to enjoy its refined charms. You'll find them sipping pints in the Horseshoe or Florry Batt's, toe-tapping to trad music in O'Shea's, or enjoying a charcuterie board and glass of red at the new No 35 Does the town miss the big-party trade? Maybe. But if you ask the locals, they seem quite content with the shift. The pace is slower, the vibe more relaxed, and the energy — like everything else in Kenmare — just feels right. So, if you're looking for a weekend that feeds the soul, fuels the belly, and fills your camera roll with beauty, Kenmare is calling. Come for the views. Stay for the vibe. And don't be surprised if you leave already plotting your return. 6 Kenmare Stone Circle is an amazing place to visit Credit: Getty Images - Getty 6 The coastal views are unreal Credit: Getty Images - Getty 6 She felt very relaxed after her trip and plans on coming back again Credit: Collect image through journalist
