Mayo District Court has decided to renew the license of a Westport pub despite objections from Travellers' groups.
The publican, Mr Chris Lavelle, a member of the national council of the Vintners' Federation of Ireland, has been at the centre of a controversial blanket ban on Travellers in Westport.
Mayo publicans refused to serve some Travellers as a result of disturbances in the town last August.
Ms Bernadette Comiskey, Mayo Traveller Support Group (MTSG), has instructed her solicitor, Mr Kevin Brophy, to appeal the decision given by Judge Mary Devins.
Judge Devins ruled that Mr Lavelle was a fit person to hold a pub licence. Ms Comiskey had objected to the renewal of his licence at a sitting of the annual Licensing Court in September.
"This judgement is a hugely retrograde step for Travellers", stated Mr Kevin Brophy.
Ms Comiskey said she was "devastated" by the decision but will go all the way in the court system to highlight this case which is only one small example of racism and discrimination in Ireland.
"Judge Devins has effectively rubber-stamped discrimination today. It is simply outrageous" said Ms Comiskey.
Mr Lavelle denies that the blanket ban was a concerted lobbying exercise by the VFI to overturn the Equal Status Act. In her summary, Judge Devins had accused Lavelle of blatantly and calculatedly imposing the ban because he was fully aware of the power of the media. Mr Lavelle had worked as a journalist for many years with a local newspaper.
"I'm sorry all of this had to happen', said Chris Lavelle. "I doubt if such an action will be taken again. And of course I will serve Travellers again".
Mr Thomas McCann, equality officer at the Irish Traveller Movement said today's decision legitimised discrimination against not just Travellers but any other group. He added that the decision sent a clear message that discrimination is still acceptable in Ireland.