A decision by An Bord Pleanala to allow a development to proceed in the contentious "red safety zone" around Shannon Airport has been hailed as a major breakthrough for the local community.
However, Aer Rianta has already indicated that it is to consider taking a judicial review of the board's decision.
A spokeswoman said it was considering whether to apply for a judicial review of the decision "in the context of the implications for the safety of operations at Shannon".
Aer Rianta's proposed move was criticised yesterday by a Clare Fianna Fail TD, Mr Tony Killeen, who said it was "somewhat heavy-handed and not conducive to good relationships with their neighbours in the area".
Aer Rianta has already initiated judicial review proceedings for three developments granted planning in the red safety zone around Dublin Airport.
The semi-State company argues that any developments in the zones, which surround the State's three main airports, would detract from public safety.
The board's decision coincides with reports that the Department of Public Enterprise is to appoint consultants to examine the red zone issue.
Responding to the board's decision to depart from past policy and allow a development proceed in the red safety zone, which is 250 acres in size, Cllr Pat McMahon of Fianna Fail said he was delighted with the decision.
"This is a major breakthrough that An Bord Pleanala has finally dismissed the views of Aer Rianta in the area around Shannon Airport, and I would hope that this area would finally be able to grow like any other area in the county," he said.
As a result of the board's decision, a young family will now be able to proceed with an extension to their home 2km from the airport to overcome the overcrowded conditions they live in.
Currently, Vincent and Geraldine O'Brien and their one-year-old son, Evan, sleep in a cramped attic room. Their daughter, Megan (10), sleeps in a downstairs bedroom in the four-room cottage.
Responding to the decision, Mr O'Brien said yesterday: "I just wonder if Aer Rianta were really genuine in their fears expressed over safety. If they were, you would think that they would have made efforts to purchase the house altogether."
