Trump buys golf course in Ireland
Belfast Telegraph | 11 February 2014 | www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
US billionaire Donald Trump has bought Doonbeg golf course in the west of Ireland after losing a legal challenge to an offshore wind farm project within sight of his Scottish golf resort.
The tycoon said the five star Co Clare destination – with an existing 18-hole championship golf links – will be transformed into an unparalleled resort with the highest standards of luxury.
The world-renowned Irish course will be renamed Trump International Golf Links, Ireland.
Speaking from New York, Mr Trump said he was switching his focus to Ireland after a Scottish judge rejected his legal action against a wind energy project off the Aberdeenshire coast, which he claimed would spoil the view from his luxury golf course there.
“We will appeal this decision and in the meantime we will be focusing all of our investment and energy towards our new acquisition on the Atlantic Ocean in Ireland,” he said.
Mr Trump had threatened to pull the plug on his proposed £750 million resort at Menie Estate, near Balmedie, if an 11-turbine offshore windfarm within sight of the development got the go-ahead.
Last November, lawyers for Trump International Golf Club Scotland and the Trump Organisation asked the Court of Session in Edinburgh to rule as unlawful the Scottish Government’s approval of the wind farm.
But in his ruling today, judge Lord Doherty rejected the legal bid.
The Trump Organisation said the judgment had not altered its “unwavering commitment” to protect its investment in Scotland.
It plans to consult its lawyers about remaining legal options.
Vattenfall Wind Power and Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group, who are behind the wind farm project, said it will power 68,000 UK households a year.
The Doonbeg golf resort was reported to be on offer for 15 million euro (£12.4 million) after receivers were appointed earlier this year.
“I am thrilled to announce that we have purchased yet another incredible golf resort,” said Mr Trump.
“Doonbeg is an already terrific property that we will make even better – it will soon be an unparalleled resort destination with the highest standards of luxury.”
The 400-acre resort fronts 2.5 miles of the Atlantic Ocean.
It includes the 218-room The Lodge at Doonbeg, with spa and restaurants
Andrea Corr, lead singer with The Corrs, celebrated her celebrity wedding to billionaire Brett Desmond at the resort in 2009.
Mr Trump previously courted politicians in Northern Ireland about proposals for a £1 billion golf resort in Co Antrim amid delays to his Scottish project.
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/02/11/trump-buys-golf-course-in-ireland/