Facebook has been given approval for a €200m data centre in Co Meath after An Bord Pleanála rejected an appeal against the granting of planning permission for the facility.

In July Meath County Council approved the plans for the data centre to be built in Clonee in south Meath.

However, it was appealed to An Bord Pleanála. It was confirmed today that the board has upheld the original granting of permission.

The centre is to be built in two phases over the next decade on a site of 220 acres.

Chief executive of the council Jackie Maguire described it as a "very good day" for the county.

"This council worked closely with the company and the IDA to deliver this important project for Ireland and for the county and it is encouraging to see that effort rewarded and to have our decision to grant permission endorsed," she said.

Earlier this year a spokesperson for Facebook said the planning application "demonstrates our continued interest to invest in Ireland".