Business and civic leaders in Ireland have welcomed news that Donald Trump has bought Doonbeg Golf Course in County Clare.
The US businessman switched his focus from the north-east of Scotland across the Irish Sea after a Court of Session setback on Tuesday.
Lord Doherty upheld a Scottish Government decision to approve a £230million offshore wind development centre off the coast of Aberdeen, which Mr Trump has argued will ruin views from his Menie golf course.
The Trump Organisation will appeal the ruling but, in the meantime, won’t invest any further in developing his north-east resort.
A court hearing in November heard that the north-east would lose out on £1billion of investment and 4,000 jobs if a second course, hotel and clubhouse at Menie were not completed.
The decision to invest in Ireland, however, was greeted warmly.
The five-star Doonbeg resort, thought to be worth about £12.5million, went into receivership last month – putting more than 200 jobs at risk. Administrators Ernst and Young had said they were confident a new buyer would snap it up.
The luxury resort opened 11 years ago on Ireland’s Atlantic coast and is the 16th golf club to the be added to the Trump Organisation’s portfolio – and their first in Ireland.
A spokesman for Chambers Ireland, which represents business leaders across the country, said: “This is clearly welcome news. Doonbeg is a profitable enterprise and there is no doubt that Mr Trump could enhance its reputation and bring more tourists to this part of the country.”
Former mayor of Clare, Councillor Pat Daly, said news of Trump’s investment would come as a relief to many. He said: “I would say everyone in Clare will be delighted as there were a couple of hundred people working at the resort and there was doubt over what could happen.
“It is a fine golf course and a lovely hotel and we want it to benefit County Clare. We would welcome Donald Trump here.”
Doonbeg has an 18-hole championship course and lodge consisting of 218 hotel suites, spa and restaurants.
Mr Trump said: “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 Scottish Government has welcomed Lord Doherty’s written judgement, which dismissed arguments from Mr Trump’s legal team that there was “bias” from ministers regarding the windfarm project.
The judge also said there was no case for a public inquiry to be held.
Yesterday, First Minister Alex Salmond would not comment on the case, and the government would not be drawn on the potential loss of investment in the north-east.
A spokeswoman said: “Investment decisions are a matter for the Trump Organisation.
“With an estimated 25% of Europe’s offshore wind potential, the offshore wind industry in Scotland can deliver billions of pounds of investment and create thousands of jobs while playing a critical role in the fight against climate change, and helping to keep the lights on across these islands.”