A 2mm snail is the latest hurdle for the Trump Doonbeg ballroom plan

What the delay means for Trump Doonbeg

The presence of the Vertigo Angustior at the resort has prompted An Coimisiún Pleanála to write to the Trump firm behind the application, TIGL Ireland Enterprises Ltd, looking for a series of additional reports, The Journal reported.

One of those reports must examine the impact, if any, that building the ballroom would have on the microscopic snail from a microhabitat and hydrological viewpoint.

In its letter, the Commission said it had examined the appeal for the 320-person capacity ballroom and set out its position plainly.

"Certain information is necessary to enabling it to determine the appeal.," An Coimisiún Pleanála, in its letter to the applicants.

The Commission had already deferred a decision on the appeal until 25 November.

The applicants now have until 29 October to submit the new reports, which will push the timeline out further still.

In a country where planning appeals rarely move quickly, another round of environmental reporting is not a small detour.

The contrast with the other Trump ballroom is stark.

At the White House, 250 workers are progressing that project this week, with construction continuing for 20 hours a day, seven days a week.

In Doonbeg, a snail you would need a magnifying glass to see is setting the pace.