Locals in Doonbeg say they remain focussed on protecting the livelihood of the community ahead of a visit by Donald Trump.
The former US President is due to visit his West Clare hotel and golf resort next week.
It’s been four years since Donald Trump last visited his Doonbeg resort, at a time when he was still in office.
The owner of the Trump International Golf Links & Hotel was due to return last August with members of his family for a two night stay, but that trip was called off, following an FBI search of his Florida home.
Now, almost a month on from facing criminal charges for falsifying business records, the former US President will touch down in Shannon midweek next week, before travelling to Doonbeg.
The visit would entail a large scale security operation by US officials and although Trump is not the serving President, Gardaí would still be obliged to protect him at all costs while he’s in the country.
The visit is expected to shine an international spotlight on the West Clare village and local businesswoman Rita McInerney believes it will result in a tourism boost for the area over the coming years.
Hope has been expressed that the visit will bring coastal protection works back into focus, with community groups continuing to meet in an effort to find solutions.
The Trump organisation employs around 300 people in the height of the summer season and local resident Michael Doherty says their livlihoods must be protected, as well as farmland and homes at risk of being chipped away into the sea.
The controversial coastal protection project at Doughmore Beach was denied planning permission by An Bord Pleanala back in 2020, having previously been given the green light by Clare County Council.
Listen to the full interview below
