Residents fire zinger at controversial new golf course

A controversial golf course planned in an ecologically sensitive area of Luxembourg has local residents and conservationists in uproar.

The 138-acre-project comprises an 18-hole golf course and private residential villas between Meysemburg and Fischbach in the east of Luxembourg.

While it could create jobs and generate tax revenues for the area, the bid has attracted criticism from Luxembourg's Ecological Movement and residents, who fear the loss of a valuable cultural landscape.

“We will lose a recreational area,” a resident from nearby Larochette told the Luxemburger Wort, adding: “You're told that (public) footpaths will remain open but you know what that means. And flying golf balls will be a danger to walkers. There are already two golf courses, in Junglinster and Christnach. Do we need a third?”

The latest bid is the third attempt to develop the site. In 1978, initial plans were submitted and rejected by the Interior Minister. In 1984, a company from Liechtenstein put forward a project for a golf course and hotel. While the ministry gave its approval in 1987 to create a sports and recreation area, this was later rejected by the Environment Ministry.

Meysemburg is today considered a conservation area after a policy statement by the Government was passed on April 24, 1981.

In 1990, it was declared a habitat conservation area and in the district's development plan the plot is designated as a drinking water protection zone.

Luxembourg's Ecological Movement is opposing the project on the basis that it will add to urban sprawl and that it is not easily accessible by public transport.