A housing development in An Rinn has been refused planning permission by Waterford Council following opposition over concerns relating to its impact on the Irish Language.
Among those objecting to the 46 houses in Mweelahorna was Fianna Fail Senator Lorraine Clifford Lee.
Although living in Dublin, she told the Irish Times she considers herself as part of the Galetact na nDeise diaspora as her grandparents left the area in the 1950s.
In her submission, she argued that the Council would be 'failing in its duty' to protect the Irish language if it granted permission; sentiments echoed by many of those objecting.
Shinebright applied to build 12 four-bedroom detached homes, two four-bed semi-detached houses, 28 three bed semis and four two-bed elderly units.
The developer said in its submission the housing project was a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity to provide affordable homes to those seeking accommodation in the Gaeltacht area.
However, Green party representative for the area Criostor O'Faolain says there was significant opposition to the development both in terms of its scale and its impact on the Irish language:
"I have had numerous people contact me in relation to this development and not a single one was in favour of it. A lot of people are quite nervous and worried about it because of the potential impact on the area.
"We're talking about a development more than twice as large as any other in the area, a development which could not have been based on local need alone. It would have required selling houses to people with no connection and no need to be living in the area, and if you do that, there is no way you won't have a negative impact on the language in a Gaeltacht area."
He added that demand from those outside the area "because it's a scenic coastal area" had seen house prices rise beyond affordability.
It's thought the developer will appeal the decision.
