Officials approve wall to protect Trump golf course in Ireland from effects of climate change

Thursday, December 21, 2017
DOONBEG, Ireland -- Irish officials have approved plans for a seawall intended to protect a Trump Organization golf course in Ireland from climate change.

The wall, approved by the Clare County Council, will prevent erosion on a public beach adjacent to Trump International Golf Links & Hotel that is often battered by harsh storms during the winter.
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"The rising sea levels and increased storm frequency and wave energy associated with global warming can increase the rate of erosion, wave damage, coastal flooding, etc.," architects wrote in an early proposal for the wall.

President Trump and his administration have come under fire for their environmental policy decisions, including promoting the fossil fuel industry, pulling out of the Paris climate agreement and removing climate change from the list of worldwide threats to the United States.
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The first iteration of the wall was rejected by local authorities. According to local media reports, the approved version of the wall is much smaller than the original structure, and the Trump Organization will have to closely monitor the structure's impact on wildlife and beachgoers.

Opponents say the wall would harm the habitat for a protected snail species and have other negative ecological impacts. Those opposing the wall can still appeal the county's decision.



The Trump Organization bought the property in 2014, and Eric Trump said in a 2016 interview that the company had spent more than $50 million on improvements to the property.

ABC News contributed to this report.
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