Plans for a Barack Obama Style motorway plaza just outside Ennis have been dealt a blow.
Supermacs Owner Pat McDonagh was granted planning permission for a rest stop and drive thru by Clare County Council earlier this year.
But An Bord Pleanala has now rejected the plans
Supermacs has already developed plaza at Moneygall in Offaly and another near the M6 at Loughrea but there's currently no rest stop on the motorway linking Limerick and Gort.
Earlier this year, Clare County Council gave the geren light for a rest stop and drive thru just outside Ennis but this was appealed by service stop rival, Applegreen, which has its own plans for a service area, 8km south of the Supermacs site.
Applegreen and a local business, Claureen Service Station later withdrew their appeals and local man, Shane Brigdale was the only remaining opposition.
An Bord Pleanala has now rejected the plan, throwing into jeopardy the 100 jobs anticipated during the operation phase and up to 80 jobs during the construction phase.
The appeal board refused planning on three grounds, including that it would seriously injure the visual amenities of the rural area and be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
Supermacs now has the option of lodging revised plans and speaking following the surprise decision, Pat McDonagh said it was "disappointing for everyone", but that he won't be commenting until they "study the inspector’s report".
