The mayor of Ballinasloe says he is disappointed a new hotel for the town has been rejected after An Taisce objected to the development.
Mayor Seán Tully (FG) said many local people are unhappy that An Bord Pleanála has turned down permission for the 72-bedroom hotel in the town's marina.
"This town has lost 800 jobs in local factories Square D and Cross in the last five years. We thought this hotel was the first sign of something new coming to the town," he said. Although an An Bord Pleanála inspector recommended the project be approved, the board turned it down because of concerns about flooding.
Mr Tully hopes the man behind the project, Mr Peter Melville, of Oran Pre-Cast Concrete, will submit new plans.
"A huge number of people pass through Ballinasloe all year round, and a few hotels would encourage them to stay for a day or two," he said.