A proposed marina and residential development at Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim, has been turned down by An Bord Pleanála on the grounds that it would seriously damage the visual and recreational amenities of the River Shannon.
The board went against the recommendation of its own inspector to refuse permission for the development at Attirory, Carrick-on-Shannon, which was to incorporate 162 residential units and berthing facilities for 158 boats.
Leitrim County Council had granted planning permission to Oyster Homes, Tom Philips and Associates of Marlinstown Business Park, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, for a mixed use development comprising residential, retail and restaurant facilities around an internal harbour on the Dublin side of Carrick-on-Shannon.
That decision was appealed by An Taisce and Ciarán McGarry of Circular Road, Carrick-on-Shannon.
In its ruling, the board said that the site was located on lands between the road and the River Shannon in an area of high visual amenity with unobstructed views over the site. "The proposed development which would permanently obstruct views over this area of visual amenity would seriously injure the visual and recreational amenities of the Shannon river and its immediate environs to the south of Carrick-on-Shannon," according to the ruling.
An Bord Pleanála also found that access problems could create a traffic hazard and an obstruction for road users, given the location of the site between two roundabouts on the N4.
The board said it was not satisfied that the proposed development would not depreciate the value of property in the vicinity by reason of the increased risk of flooding.
