A decision to refuse planning to convert a house to accommodate people with intellectual disabilities on the edge of Lough Ree has been upheld by An Bord Pleanala.
In July, Longford County Council refused planning permission to Galro Unlimited, who sought the material change of use of the house at Newtowncashel.
The home is located approximately 55 metres from the edge of the lake, with the council giving four reasons for refusal, one including it being within a Special Area of Conservation.
An appeal was lodged in August of this year to overturn Longford County Council's decision.
In examining the information provided by Galro Limited, the higher planning body found it could not be satisfied that the development would not have an adverse impact on the European site.
The inspector's report also noted the possibility that the development may pose a disturbance or barrier risk to qualifying interest species of these sites.
