Image: An all-weather ski slope was among the plans

An Bord Pleanála has refused planning permission for a new EUR430m (£341m) ski resort complex in Dundalk, Ireland, which had initially been approved by Louth County Council.

Innovative Leisure Systems was behind the proposed Altitude development, which included an all-weather ski slope and nursery slopes; a surf/water leisure dome; and a family hostel.

The resort plans also included 110,000sq ft (10,219sq m) of indoor concert arena space and an 80,000sq ft (7,432sq m) leisure zone incorporating a cinema and a tenpin bowling alley.

Later phases of the development would have included additional hotel accommodation and an international casino, subject to the relevant legislation being introduced in Ireland.

Despite local authority approval, however, the project faced opposition from heritage agency An Taisce and Louth Environmental Group among others.

In a statement to the Dundalk Democrat, Sam Curran of Innovative Leisure Systems said: "This was a serious attempt to bring Ireland as a whole to become a world class resort that would have put Ireland firmly on the map."

The newspaper also quoted an An Taisce spokesperson as saying: "This decision highlights the continuing failure of local authorities to respect national policy on land use, transport and environmental protection."

Click here for more information about An Bord Pleanála's ruling.