Anglers and others on one of the south-west's most important salmon and sea trout rivers have won their appeal against a €1.3 million hydroelectric scheme on a section of the Roughty river near Kilgarvan, Co Kerry, after a decision by An Bord Pleanála this week to refuse permission.
Mr John O'Hare, chairman of the Angling Council of Ireland, said it was "a victory for common sense".
The refusal is despite An Bord Pleanála's own inspector's report, which recommended planning permission be granted. Bord Pleanála deputy planning officer, Mr Des Johnson, found the proposed development of the small hydro scheme was compatible with national policy on alternative energy sources and was also in line with the county development plan, and would not have significant adverse impact on the fishery, landscape or amenities.
The proposal, by Hal Hydro Ltd, a private company owned by members of a local farming family, was for a scheme which would run over two kilometres of the river and generate 1,500 kilowatt of electricity.
Much of the site was a proposed Natural Heritage Area and the area nearby is the only known site in the world for a rare hawkweed (hieracium scullyi).
Canoeists as well as anglers had come out against the proposed small hydro-power scheme near Morley's Bridge. They warned that the 19-mile-long Roughty, a spate river, flowing into Kenmare Bay, with its cascades, gorges and pools was one of only a few remaining whitewater rivers unspoilt by hydro-electric schemes.
An oral hearing was held last October after a decision by Kerry County Council to grant permission to Hal Hydro Ltd was appealed by five parties, including anglers and two landowners.
Originally, there had been over 16 objections to the county council.
The South Western Regional Fisheries Board supported the project. But this had led to divisions between anglers and farmers on the board and with the executive.
In their submission to An Bord Pleanála, Kenmare Salmon Angling Ltd argued the development would interfere with spawning salmon. Hydro-schemes were not suitable for major angling rivers, it said.
The Trout Anglers Federation of Ireland said the scheme would further damage the river's salmon and sea trout which were already affected by salmon farms in the estuary area.
The Kilgarvan Roughty Anglers Club, which leases fishing rights along the river, said some of the best salmon spawning grounds in the country lay upstream of the development.
In its schedule for refusal, An Bord Pleanála said the Roughty was an important salmon habitat of considerable value in terms of fish spawning, angling and tourism, and the board was not satisfied the proposed development would not give rise to significant damage to the habitats.