Plans to develop one of the biggest quarries in Munster on 120 acres in Co Limerick have been refused by Bord Pleanála, which has cited traffic safety and the proximity of homes.
The planning appeals body has upheld a decision by Limerick County Council to refuse planning permission for the limestone quarry at Ferrybridge near Kildimo, Co Limerick.
It would have had a capacity to handle two million tonnes of limestone a year.
Hundreds of residents had objected to the development, and they staged public meetings to fight plans for the quarry.
Many expressed concerns that quarry dust would harm their health and environment, while farmers said it could damage livestock.
This year Limerick County Council rejected an application for planning permission from Galway-based developer John Kelly. That ruling was appealed to Bord Pleanála, who upheld the decision.
Bord Pleanála cited concerns over traffic safety as the proposed site is located alongside the busy N69.
It also pointed to the proximity of nearby homes, and ruled that the quarry would "seriously injure the amenities of properties in the vicinity by reason of visual impact, noise and general disturbance".
The board was not satisfied that the development would not have "significant and adverse" effects on the environment of the nearby river Maigue, which is designated a Special Protection Area.
Tom Fitzgerald of the Ferrybridge Action Association, which opposed the development of the quarry, welcomed the decision.
"This is probably the best Christmas present we could ever get.
"People here were very concerned about the size of this application and the impact it was going to have on the local community," said Mr Fitzgerald.