Radio personality Mairéad Ronan has won a long-running planning battle to revamp and extend her family home in Dunmore East.

An Coimisiún Pleanála upheld a decision by Waterford City and County Council to grant permission for major works on the property, despite a number of appeals from local residents.

The plans will see the existing cottage significantly extended with a new two-storey addition at the popular seaside location.

The decision overturns an earlier refusal issued during the lengthy planning process, which dates back to 2021.

Planning authorities ruled the redesigned home would not negatively impact the surrounding area or the character of the Dunmore East Architectural Conservation Area, as first reported by the Irish Mirror.

Concerns had also been raised about privacy and overlooking, but planners found the development would not seriously affect neighbouring properties.

Documents submitted as part of the application stated the current house is too small for Mairéad Ronan and her family and no longer suited to modern living.

The revamped design was also described as contemporary while remaining respectful to the area’s existing streetscape.