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Donald Trump got the go-ahead for a new wall on Thursday – not on the Mexican border but to save his Irish golf course from the sea.

Plans for the rock barrier to protect parts of the Trump Doonbeg golf links resort in West Clare got the thumbs up from Clare County Council.

The green light came in spite of opposition from An Taisce, Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE), and the West Coast Surf Club.

However, the plan – which involves a 38,000 tonne rock barrier to protect “as a matter of urgency” holes 1, 9 and 18 at the course – has the full backing of the local community in Doonbeg.

(Image: PA)

The plan comprises of placing limestone rock armour protection in front of the three holes at the northern and southern end of the beach.

It will involve the installation of sheet piling in front of the three holes that will be hidden from view along with a 10 metre band of rock armour that will be covered and seeded with grass.

(Image: PA)

General Manager of Trump Doonbeg, Joe Russell, said: “We are very pleased with this decision and would like to thank Clare County Council for their foresight in granting this application."

He said: “This decision demonstrates the Council’s commitment to support local business and protect the economic future of the region.

“We would also like to thank the entire team employed by Trump Doonbeg and the local community who all worked so diligently over the past number of years to ensure the success of this application."

(Image: Eamon Ward)

Local farmer and long time supporter of the Trump barrier plan, John Flanagan said last night that he was “delighted’ with the decision.

He said: “It is great that an agency like Clare Co Council recognises what we have been saying - that the dunes are in trouble and that they need protection.”

However, Tony Loves of FIE confirmed that the group will be appealing the decision to An Bord Pleanala. He said that the group was ‘in shock’ over the ruling.

Plans were first lodged for coastal protection works in May of last year and that plan was withdrawn last December in favour of a scaled down proposal.

Earlier this year, commenting on the planning application, Donald Trump’s son Eric said: “The process is going to yield a really great result.

“Everyone wants to see the golf course at Doonbeg remain incredibly vibrant because no one wants to see the sea wash it away because without a golf course, you don’t have a hotel."

(Image: Arthur Ellis)

He warned: “If a certain part of the property is destroyed, you don’t have a viable hotel and the lights get turned off and I think people realise that.

“Of course, you want to see things happen faster and at the same time, I understand process and I think we are going to do very, very well in the process and especially because the community is 100 per cent behind the efforts.”