Planning permission for a £6 million five-storey hotel in Limerick's medieval quarter has been refused by Limerick Corporation.
The 101-bedroom project was to be on King's Island near the 13th century King John's Castle. It was to include a reception foyer, a bar and restaurant and conference facilities.
There were a number of objectors, including Limerick Civic Trust, An Taisce, the Thomond Archaeological Society, the Friends of Limerick and local residents' associations.
The planning permission was refused on five counts. According to corporation officials, the development was too big and out of character with the historical setting of King's Island. It would also be out of character with other buildings. The plans did not provide for off-street car parking or for additional traffic, and the servicing yard would be too small.
The director of Limerick Civic Trust, Mr Denis Leonard, said yesterday that it always felt that the size and ultra-modern design were wrong for the area.
The developers , BQ Enterprises Ltd, Kildare Street, Dublin, have a month to appeal to An Bord Pleanala.