Plans by the Athlone, Co Westmeath-based Hodson Bay Group to expand into the booming Dublin hotel market have been halted by an appeal from An Taisce.

Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Éireann is planning to build a €500,000 “centre of excellence” in a Co Cork village which, it is envisaged, will spawn a money-spinning touring Riverdance-type show focusing on ancient Irish music and dance.