By Sean Moriarty

An Bord Pleanála has refused planning permission for a large scale development on Port Road - as it could potentially impact the Lesser Horseshoe Bats.

Portal Asset Holdings wanted to build 228 residential units consisting of 76 houses and 152 apartments, crèche and all associated site works between Port Road and St Margaret’s Road.

The proposal was met with widespread opposition from residents in the area and was referred to the planning board. A total of 50 observations were submitted to An Bord Pleanála.

A decision was taken to refuse the application after concerns were raised about local wildlife habitats.

“Having regard to the proximity of the subject site to the Killarney National Park, MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and Caragh River Catchment candidate Special Area of Conservation it is considered that the proposed development may result in increased artificial lighting generated at both the construction and operational phases of the development and that may impact on Lesser Horseshoe Bats that commute along routes to the west of the Port Road/ Deenagh River. The submitted Appropriate Assessment Screening does not provide sufficient scientific reasoning to clearly eliminate the likelihood of significant adverse effects,” said Planning Inspector Paul O’Brien.