Plans to build a Mosque and Islamic cultural centre in Kilkenny city have been scrapped.
Kilkenny county council originally granted permission for the development in October of last year, but the decision has been overturned after several locals lodged objections.
The proposed development was to be built at the Hebron Industrial Estate on the edge of the city.
An Bord Pleanála says that the plans would be "contrary" to the Hebron Road design strategy of 2017.
It is understood that around 40 objections were lodged with Kilkenny County Council following the original application for permission.
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In a statement issued to KCLR , An Bord Pleanála said: "Having regard to the nature, scale, layout & location of the proposed development, the access arrangements associated with the site & its relationship to adjoining property, it is considered that the proposed development represents inappropriate backland development, would result in a substandard community facility, would be contrary to the Objectives of the Hebron Road Urban Design Strategy 2017 and would seriously injure the amenities of adjoining property.
"The proposed development would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
"In deciding not to accept the Inspector’s recommendation to grant permission, the Board considered that the location of the Mosque and community facilities to the rear of the Aldi store, without street frontage and with a substandard urban design dominated by car parking, would be inappropriate, and would not make a positive contribution to the architectural and cultural heritage of Kilkenny City”.
The Imam of Kilkenny has responded to the planning rejection, saying that the decision is "painful".
Speaking on RTE's Morning Ireland, Imam Ibrahim Ndure said: "It is a very sad day, it's crushingly disappointing. We will try to look at the objection articulated in the inspector's report to see what we can take as the next step.
"We are trying to accept that this has been rejected. It's taken up a huge amount of our time and resources for nearly four years. It's very painful.
"Frankly, we have been paying rent for a long time, and it's high time we have our own Islamic Cultural Centre.
"We were banking on An Bord Pleanála to come to a favourable decision so we can start the process of moving from a rented place."
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