Approval for a new Tesco store in County Laois has been quashed over flooding fears.

The planning board rejected proposals for the Midlands site due to its proximity to a floodplain.

An Bord Pleanala was not satisfied with Tesco's proposals for a flood relief system and riverside walkway, close to the River Barrow.

Laois County Council approved original plans for the 3,281 square metre foodstore and off-licence at Portarlington.

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This was despite the planning application acknowledging that the site was part of the floodplain.

However, the planning board has now overturned this decision.

An Bord Pleanala said it was "not satisfied" proposed flood relief works would not have significant adverse effects on both the natural heritage of the area and the future use of the river.

The board also raised concerns over adjoining lands, including the loss of part of an existing floodplain, and the associated risk of increased flooding of other lands in the vicinity.

Plans had been put forward by Tesco to collect surface water and pump it back into the river.

At the hearing, Laois County Council admitted having granted outline permission for 36 homes on the same site. That permission has since expired.

(PR/JM)