No Active Storms
DARK times ahead for Crab Island and Doolin Point, one of Ireland's most perfect waves, unless action is taken now. Despite opposition and a previous campaign Clare County Council have granted planning permission for a pier development which will in the report's own words "significantly impact" the waves approaching Crab Island. However all is not lost. A 'Foreshore Lease' is required for the work to take place which must be ok'd by one: Mr. Phil Hogan T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government. You can write him a letter HERE. You can only write a physical letter and it must arrive before April 21st so please get on it. Generally tangible letters are much more effective than an email you can file away unseen in some anonymous inbox. Please also join the Facebook group HERE. © 2013 Paud
Roger Gale writes: Despite opposition from Local and International Surfers, Clare County Council have granted planning permission for a proposed Pier development. Bord Failte, the National Tourism Board for Ireland called for the County Council to redesign the pier in order for it not to interfere with the waves at Doolin, but the Council chose to proceed with the scheme unaltered. The Department for the Environment called for wave modeling to be carried out. But the wave modeling carried out had no survey data for either reef at Ballaghaline (Doolin) Point and Crab Island. The output from the model runs shows waves breaking in the wrong places. The modeling has not been validated, calibrated and not peer reviewed. The swell sizes and directions modeled do not replicate the full range of conditions surfed. The scale of output plot wave heights has been set too course to really show any reflection under a foot or so in height. Clare County Council are aware of these issues and have taken no action. Until these issues are attended to the modeling carried out lacks any real credibility. Notwithstanding the above problems the wave modelling indicates that "Changes on the wave approach to Crab Island are noticeable" and that "Longer swell waves are likely to be significantly impacted upon as they approach the Point at higher stages of the tide". In other words the Council know that the proposed structure is likely to damage the waves, and are choosing to ignore the facts presented by their own report. © 2013 GC
So far the process has consisted of Clare County Council applying to Clare County Council for Planning Permission on work, which Clare County Council wants to carry out. Not the most level playing field I'm sure you'll agree. There is however some light at the end of the tunnel, but just a glimmer. To proceed with the works a 'Foreshore Lease' is required, granted by the Department of the Environment. Now is the time that surfers can have their voices heard by an impartial body, and that's precisely what the surfers of the West Coast of Ireland are asking for. You can help by writing a letter to the Department of the Environment, stating your point of view, whatever that is (sorry folks it's snail mail only - no email) but there's a template HERE. Please also join the Facebook group HERE. © 2013 Paud
The third day at the End of the Road spanned the paddle tow divide with inevitable consequences.
A reality check from the reef at Teahupoo, teeth-to-the-reef horror and jail-breaking Tahitian hospitals
A few nice waves in the Mentawai, especially at Lances Left
Day two commenced with disaster and ended in triumph at The End of The Road.
Adventures in the mysterious continent.
Ex-Teahupoo swell will provide power across the South Pacific especially South Shore of Hawaii.
_20.48.15ccd.png "Nth Shore Stories: Waimea, Sunset & Pipe")
