The developers of a proposed hydroelectric scheme on the Dingle peninsula have withdrawn their application after a one-day An Bord Pleanála oral hearing. Wildlife experts had reported on "the very protected" nature of the area.
However, Mr Tom Sheehy, senior planning engineer with Kerry County Council defended the council's decision to grant permission for the scheme. He said there was no presumption against development in a special area of conservation unless the proposed development affected the special habitat.
In this instance Dúchas evidence said there would be damage to the designated blanket bog. The council had asked Dúchas for comment but had not received it within the timeframe allowed, Mr Sheehy said. The council had based its decision largely on the advice of "the experts", the South Western Regional Fisheries Board, which had given its imprimatur to the proposal, he said.
Dr Tom Shaw of Shawater Ltd, engineering consultants, said he had not been aware of some of the issues raised by Dúchas and National Parks and Wildlife representatives.
He wished to have talks with them with a view to making a new application.
Wild life experts, anglers and residents had criticised the council's decision in April to grant permission to Bath company Inglby 451 Ltd for a small run of the river scheme on the Owennafeana River at Brandon.