An Bord Pleanála has refused planning permission for an "iconic" €14m steel rollercoaster for Tayto Park as the operation of the ride would be too noisy for nearby residents.

That is according to a new report commissioned by Tayto Park as part of its planning battle to secure planning permission for a new steel €14m rollercoaster for the visitor park.

Ireland’s largest theme park, Tayto Park, has secured planning permission for an “iconic” €14m roller-coaster ride.

Says owner Ray Coyle: "If you don’t create something landmark every three or four years, your numbers will start going down and that is the road to closure.”

THE recent defence of Ireland’s track record on waste disposal by Environment Minister Dick Roche left a lot to be desired.