Bord Pleanála has upheld a decision by Clare County Council to refuse planning permission to the Whelan Group for a large extension to its flagship quarry operation at Fountain, Ennis.
In its ruling the appeals board has granted planning permission for the retention and completion of quarrying works over a 25-acre area, but has refused permission for a 16-acre extension to the quarry site.
The appeals board has also ruled that no work can start on the project until after the company has secured planning permission for the existing quarry operation in according with Section 261 of the Planning and Development Act.
This application is currently before the council, and if an appeal is lodged with Bord Pleanála the planning application may not be finalised until next year.
The appeals board held an oral hearing into the case over four days in July.
The Whelan Group spent an estimated €250,000 over the four days in providing 22 expert witnesses and legal advice in a bid to secure planning for the extension to the quarry.