The chief executive of Shannon Development has described the impact of the newDoonbeg Golf Club as akin to "Intel or Dell setting up in West Clare".
Kevin Thompstone was speaking yesterday at the official ceremony to mark the commencement of construction work on the accommodation and clubhouse phase of the project.
It was also revealed yesterday that sales of the lodge suites at Doonbeg, which began in June 2003, have surpassed all expectations, with 21 suites sold already - for a total ofmore than $ 24m - to buyers from Ireland, Europe and the United States.
Sales in the second phase of the project, which will include 21 suites, are scheduled to begin in August.
Work on the overall project began in 2000, with the golf course, designed by GregNorman, opening for play in July 2002. Last year over 15,000 golfers from all over theworld played on the course.
When complete, the project will represent an investment of Euro 150m by US company Kiawah Development Partners.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony yesterday, Charles P "Buddy" Darby III,chairman and CEO of KDP, said the start of construction was an historic day for the project.
He noted the challenging work programme that had been put in position but said he wasconfident the team would meet the deadline of a spring 2006 opening for the clubhouse and lodge.
"Site work is well underway and we would hope to have the foundations laid by late August 2004," Mr Darby said.
Source: Irish Independent
