O2 Communications have been refused planning permission by Waterford County Council to erect a phone mast on the Comeragh Mountains.
The telephone company were seeking to build a 24-metre mast on the mountain close to Kilrossanty, Co Waterford.
However, the application was strongly objected to by local residents, with the council receiving over 30 formal objections and 500 signatures opposed to its erection.
The council refused permission on the grounds that the proposed structure would seriously and adversely affect the visual amenities of the area, and would detract from the views of the Holy Year Cross.
Local councillor Mr Ger Barron welcomed the decision.
"It is a great victory for the people of the area, the many community groups and the committee set up to oppose it.
"A Bord Pleanála appeal is possible and the fight may go on.
"However, it is quite a strong refusal from the county council, and I would thank them as they have taken the views of the local people on board."
The Labour councillor highlighted that a third mast in the area would have been unacceptable.
"We already have one mast in this area and another is pending, which has received permission.
"If permission had been given for this it would have made three masts in a very small range, and I don't think that is acceptable."
