Businessman Tom Mannion is now considering an appeal to An Bord Pleanala after Ennis town council rejected his proposal to construct a four-storey, concrete, turreted structure comprising two retail units, office space and a number of apartments at the O'Connell Street site.

Co Clare conservation officer, Risteard Ua Cronin, in a report prepared for the council, described the project as "inappropriate in both design, scale and materials for any part of the Ennis town Architectural Conservation Area.

To allow these unique buildings, streetscapes and the late medieval townscape to be dominated by concrete tower blocks would serve to detract from the visual amenity and architectural integrity of the old town of Ennis." The report went on to claim "that this overbearing development has the potential to do irreparable damage to a very attractive county town".

Claims that the proposed four-storey structure would impede views of the local cathedral spire were also taken into account by the council.

In a statement, the travel agents expressed surprise and disappointment at the council's decision. "Ennis town centre badly needs large-size, high-quality retail space to ensure that large retailers do not have to locate in business parks on the outskirts of town.

Our plan was intended to deliver two such large units in a prime location, as well as upstairs office-space and highquality apartments. The main old building is in very poor shape."

Architect Tom Byrne, in a written statement submitted to the council, said "the building itself is of no special architectural or community importance and its only merit is that it has been part of the streetscape for a considerable time."

"No decision has been taken yet on whether or not to lodge an appeal with the planning board, " Tom Mannion says.

"It would be inappropriate to comment further on the matter at this stage."