The village of Doonbeg is a hive of activity this lunchtime, as Donald Trump continues his visit to his five-star hotel and golf resort.
The former US president landed in Shannon yesterday evening and travelled by motorcade to the West Clare village.
Today he’s taking in a round of golf and will cut short his trip to Ireland, because of a civil rape case against him.
E Jean Carroll claims Mr. Trump raped her nearly three decades ago in a department store changing room.
The village is fairly low key despite the presence of the former US President in his family owned golf resort on the edge of Doughmore Beach.
Last night he spoke to reporters following his arrival in West Clare.
It’s a cool breezy afternoon in Doonbeg with the sun breaking through sproadically.
The former US President arrived in Clare in his 757 aircraft, known as Trump Force One, which an American flag on the tail fin and ‘Trump’ emlazoned on the side.
The village is relatively quiet this morning as local get on with their daily life while much of the media attention is focused on their famous visitor.
Trump met with local community groups last night who like him are putting emphaise on the ongoing coastal erosion issue on Doughmore Beach.
This morning he played a round of golf on what is his first visit to Doonbeg since 2019 when he was serving as 45th President of the United States.
The visit comes at a time when he is facing multiple investigations back in the US. Last month, he became the first former US president in history to face criminal charges.
However people in the village, like Paul Crowe who was delivering milk, see Trump as an economic boost to the area.
Harry Keane who is working in the area this morning has similar views.
Meanwhile, members of the Doughmore Coastal Protection Group say they remain hopeful that works aimed at protecting the coastline will go ahead.
They met with Donald Trump at his hotel last night, when their Treasurer, Donal O’Sullivan presented the foremer US President with an aerial photo taken of the aurora borealis over the bay in Doonbeg recently.
Three years ago, an Bord Pleanala overturned a local authority decision to grant permission for an ocean wall designed to protect sand dunes on Doughmore beach.
Secretary of the community group, Margaret McGrath, who attended the informal meeting last night says she remains hopeful that progress will be made that would ensure the Trump Organisation will continue to invest in the business.
You can listen to the full interview below.
