Trump Links For Ulster?

Northern Ireland could be under consideration by US billionaire Donald Trump who is said to be looking out for an alternative site outside Scotland to build his now rejected world-beating Trump International Golf Links scheme.

The scheme, which was to include two championship golf courses and 1,500 homes at a 1,400 acre site near Balmedie in Scotland.

However, while councillors on the Formartine area committee backed the plans by seven votes to four, the development then went to Aberdeenshire Council's Infrastructure Services Committee, who rejected the plan because of the extensive housing associated with the plan.

Mr Trump claimed he needed to build the houses to pay for the development, which he wanted to construct over the next five years.

Now, a Northern Ireland Assembly member has said his constituency would be an ideal alternative location for Donald Trump's planned �1bn golf complex.

North Antrim MLA Rev Robert Coulter's offer come after Aberdeenshire Council rejected the scheme: "This wasn't going to cost the taxpayer a penny. I can't believe they turned it down," said Rev Coulter of the UUP.

"This area (North Antrim) already has a number of very good golf courses, and as a largely rural constituency has plenty of room for another. It also has a stunning coastline like Aberdeenshire.

"I'd be only too happy to meet with Mr Trump, such a venture would really boost tourism in North Antrim and of course create jobs."

Although not part of North Antrim, the neighbouring constituency of East Londonderry is home to Royal Portrush, considered to be one of the best golf courses in Europe.

A spokeswoman for Mr Trump, who starred in the US version of the hit reality TV show, The Apprentice, said he was "very surprised" by Aberdeenshire Council's decision.

"We are considering an appeal, and also considering doing something very spectacular in another location. Sadly, it will not be in Scotland,"

Much of the opposition to the 1bn scheme at the Menie Estate was based on the perceived environmental impact of the plans.

The RSPB, for example, said: "The destruction of part of Aberdeenshire's beautiful unspoilt coastline has been recognised as too high a price to pay for this development."

See: £1bn Trump Links Development Plans Rejected

(BMcC)