Killarney centre for rape victims denied permission over impact on bat

Also the area is a flood plain of the nearby Lough Leane

The Department of Heritage said it is absolutely vital the quality and efficiency of this edge of Reen as a commuting corridor and frequently-used foraging area for the Lesser Horseshoe Bat is not compromised.

Planning for a "vital" counselling centre for rape victims on Killarney’s Ross Road has been denied permission because of the effect of artificial lighting on the protected Lesser Horseshoe Bat.

Kerry County Council had originally refused permission for the centre because of concern for the protected bat, but also as the area is a flood plain of the nearby Lough Leane, the council said.