Planning permission has been granted in rural Waterford for a new drug rehabilitation centre for vulnerable women.
The decision from An Bord Pleanala comes despite a wealth of objections from local residents.
Waterford City and County Council had initially granted planning permission for the development at Cladagh, Clashmore before it was appealed to the board by 11 local residents.
When complete, the Pobail Mhuire centre will be operated by the Refuge of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
It will accommodate nine women and three staff.
Those opposed to the development believe that it will not be a local community facility and "will be of no benefit to the local rural community."
They added that the development "will have a high negative social and psychological impact on neighbours and the community" and that it may result in visitors "which may include previous and current drug dealers."
Concerns were also expressed regarding the location of Pobail Mhuire - less than 2 kilometres from a local school.
For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.
