A  base for seaplanes on the River Shannon at Lough Derg was approved yesterday by An Bord Pleanála.

The board rejected appeals against the proposal from An Taisce and Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). The base is to form part of a network of facilities by Harbour Flights Ireland Ltd for a seaplane service around the country. Yesterday, Harbour Flights chief executive Emelyn Heaps said he was delighted with the decision, and hopes to start flying tourists in next year.