Planning permission has been granted by An Bord Pleanála for a €20 million four-star hotel, health spa and apartment complex, near the base of Croagh Patrick in Co Mayo.
An Taisce, the National Trust, had objected to the development at Murrisk for heritage and archaeological reasons.
But Murrisk Development Association argued that a hotel was badly needed to cater for the estimated 100,000 pilgrims who climb Croagh Patrick every year.
Following lengthy deliberations on the issue, An Bord Pleanála has ruled in favour of the developer, Thomas S Joyce, c/o John Halligan, Barrack Street, Charlestown.
Planning permission, however, is subject to 18 conditions, one of which stipulates that the number of bedrooms must be reduced from 80 to 52, and the number of apartments from 32 to 26.
Mr Joyce, a builder who is a native of Castlebar but now resident in Westport, has welcomed the board's decision. He said work on the project would get underway shortly. Murrisk Development Association, who had described An Taisce's objections as "regrettable" and "extremely disappointing," has also welcomed the decision.
Mayo County Council had granted planning permission for the development last year.
Having considered submissions on the matter, An Bord Pleanála ruled that the proposed development would not seriously injure the amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity; would not be prejudicial to public health; would be acceptable in terms of views from Croagh Patrick and surrounding scenic routes and would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and convenience.