Ennis UDC has been criticised after granting planning permission to a £3 million apartment complex on lands adjacent to the town's historic 13th-century Franciscan abbey.
A local heritage group, Oidreacht na hInse, described the council's decision to grant planning to Dwellblin Construction Ltd for 32 apartments in two three-storey buildings on a two-acre site adjacent to the national monument as "another instance of the council's appalling record in terms of heritage protection".
An Taisce, the Shannon Archaeological and Historical Society, the Green Party and some local residents also objected to the development. Mr Donal O'Bearra, spokesman for the Green Party, called it a shameful decision.
Both Oidreacht na hInse and the Green Party said yesterday they were considering appealing the decision to An Bord Pleanala.