An Bord Pleanála has rejected a plan to build an eight-storey hotel opposite a national monument in Cahir, Co Tipperary.
South Tipperary County Council had given the go-ahead to Bennett Construction Ltd to build a 72-bedroom hotel at Cahir Mills on Bridge Street in the centre of Cahir. The site is close to the River Suir, near a bridge and opposite Cahir Castle.
The plan also included the demolition of the mill and the construction of 15 "aparthotel" suites, restaurants, a bar and lounge, and 44 apartments in a separate four-storey block.
The council's approval was appealed to An Bord Pleanála by An Taisce and local residents.
The board said that the site, on an inside bend of the River Suir, was of unique sensitivity and national importance because of its proximity to Cahir Castle and its position in an architectural conservation area.
It ruled that the proposed development would adversely affect the settings of the castle and the character of the conservation area because of the excessive height, scale and bulk of the hotel.
It would "fail to achieve an appropriate scale in relation to the castle", the board said.
It also ruled that the development design was discordant and visually obstructive and would interfere with views from Cahir Castle, protected under the South Tipperary County Development Plan.
An Bord Pleanála said it was not satisfied that the proposed development would "adequately respect the River Suir" or would avoid interference with the river bank or mature trees.
An Taisce welcomed the decision to protect "one of the most significant medieval monuments in Ireland".
