Coastal protection works proposed at one of the country's best known links golf courses should protect rather than threaten the rare 2mm snail, the Vertigo Angustior, according to a consulant's report.
The report was drawn up for Lahinch golf club in response to concerns expressed by Clare County Council over the impact the coastal protection works would have on the rare snail, which is protected under the EU Habitats Directive.
The report was carried out by eco-consultant Evelyn Moorkens, who first discovered in 1999 the presence of the rare snail at the golf links course at Doonbeg, 12 miles south of the Lahinch course.
The snail's presence at Doonbeg was eventually the subject of a High Court agreement between the promoters of the golf club and environmentalists. It is understood that there are 10 million of the species at Doonbeg and a management programme is in place to ensure its continued conservation status at the Greg Norman-designed golf course.
In her report on the survey she carried out on May 13th and 14th last, Ms Moorkens wrote: "The survey identified the presence of the Vertigo Angustior and it appears to be thriving in the rough areas of the golf courses."
The report is part of further information submitted to the council by the golf club.
A planning decision is expected in the autumn.