For centuries, the waves breaking on the limestone slabs of Crab Island and Doolin point have been spitting tubes. It is one of the iconic and most surfed spots of Ireland.
Until now. Because there is a ferry operation running from a small pier in the lagoon behind crab island to the nearby Aran islands. This runs during the summer when the lagoon is not getting churned by winter swells. These ferries now require a larger pier in deeper water in order to meet an EU regulation.
However the design that Clare Co. Council has decided on is likely to damage both waves of Crab Island and Doolin point from backwash. It will also introduce a safety hazard by forcing surfers to paddle across the ferry's paths to get to the lineups. Obviously the effect on the surf spots has been ignored.
The local surfers are mobilizing
Local surfers are trying to convince the council to move the pier back towards the existing one by about 50m and to dredge a little deeper inside the pier. You can act! Sign the petition before August 5th and send it to friends through facebook\myspace\blog or mail
If you care about your environment, join us at the Surfrider Foundation: http://www.surfrider.eu