Advance planning has started on creating the capital's newest golf course on a spit of sand close to the Merrion Gates junction in Dublin's Sandymount/Merrion area. Local golfing enthusiasts are excited at the prospect of a southside Royal Dublin style links course, which would be made possible through the continuing natural development of a dune complex extending westwards and northwards from the Booterstown marsh area. (see pics below)
Leading protagonist for the development, Cyril O'Morry noted that the links complexes at Dollymount, Royal Dublin and St Annes, was established in a relatively short time after Captain Bligh's Dublin Port development created the dunes that now extend to more than 280 hectares. "While the spit is only a short par 4 now, if it grows at the rate of the Bull Island, we'll be able to put nine holes in by 2035." There were mixed reactions from local residents. Ron Shawley, who has lived on Strand Road for more than 50 years, said " This is all pie in the sky. The rate of growth is not such that anything can be developed in the next 500 years let alone 15".
Marcel de Gowlem, another of those involved in the plans, suggested that the rate of growth could be enhanced through a proposal from Dublin Port to create additional facilities on the South Bull Wall. "Imagine the huge public benefit this new island will create," he said "not only for golf but a beach to rival Dollymount. If the Dublin Port development is done properly, the dunes could grow at a much faster rate. At last, the southside will have a links course to match Royal Dublin, St Annes, Portmarnock and The Island."
Dublin County Council, still smarting after their plans to turn Strand Road into bicycle lanes were put on hold by an injunction, were less than enthusiastic about the proposals. Gord Towies, a spokesman for the council said; "The Council's priorities are to remove drivers from the area, not to encourage them"
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