Representatives for Donald Trump have warned that Doonbeg resort faces closure if he does not secure planning permission for a 2.8km-long stretch of rock armour.
According to the Irish Independent, the threat is contained in plans submitted by Trump International Golf Links and Hotel to Clare County Council concerning the €10 million limestone construction, which it claims is necessary to safeguard the resort's golf links from storm damage.
Conservationists have attempted to block the plans since 2014. The Carrowmore dunes are a Special Area of Conservation and a Natura 2000 site, home to reefs, shifting white and grey dunes, and the Narrow-mouthed Whorl Snail.
In the application, consultants say that "in the medium term, the 'do nothing' scenario will bring the viability of the entire resort and its potential closure into question".
"This would result in a permanent and profound negative economic impact" on Doonbeg and Clare, they add.
The firm estimates the resort will benefit the local economy by €38 million between 2017 and 2024.
The 242-page Environmental impact Statement also details plans to host an Irish Open, and argues that similar sea defences are common in many coastal golf courses.
Storms in 2014 wore away sand dunes in Doonbeg by several metres in some places.
A decision is due on the planning application in April.
