Dublin city councillors have voted unanimously to reject plans for the construction of a controversial flood defence barrier along the promenade in Clontarf.
Redesigned plans were submitted for consideration following objections from residents and business owners over the height and scale of the project.
Over 3,000 people attended a demonstration in October, prompting the council to redesign their preferred proposal.
Council officials later admitted that the public consultation process was “minimal” and “didn’t work”.
Under the resdesigned plans, the council planned to lower the height of the defences from the maximum of 2.75m permitted by An Bord Pleanála to a maximum of 2.17m.
The residents' association wanted to maintain views of Dublin Bay and was opposed to the creation of areas along the promenade that would be invisible from the road which they argued would create a security risk to walkers.
Speaking this evening, councillor Horgan-Jones (Lab) said it was "hugely important now that residents, businesses, officials and public representatives work together to protect the community from the flooding risk into the future".
"However this is done, it must not be at the cost of destroying a beautiful, free and natural amenity that has been used by generations of Dubliners, from within and outside Clontarf, for many years,” Cllr Horgan-Jones said.
The result of tonight's vote was welcomed by the Clontarf Residents Association and Clontarf Business Association.
In a joint statement afterwards both associations said: "The decisive rejection of the plan vindicates the strong opposition from both associations to the plan. Common sense has prevailed and we thank the city councillors,in particular, the five local councillors in the area for their support tonight and throughout this three month campaign."
"Democracy has won the day and the plan’s rejection is a victory for the thousands of people throughout Dublin who stood up and said an emphatic ‘No’ to the project", the statement read.
“This plan was not just about the people of Clontarf, but the people of Dublin who have enjoyed using this wonderful amenity for many years. We will ensure that this much-appreciated stretch of promenade will be there for the enjoyment of our children and grandchildren.
City manager, John Tierney said officals would now meet with the both associations to discuss a new plan.
