Ashford Studios have been granted permission for a €90 million extension which could attract major Hollywood productions to County Wicklow.

The plan includes four new film studios of 40,000 sq ft each, a TV studio, offices and support space and has the potential to create 1,500 movie related jobs.

In October 2015, Wicklow County Council agreed to no longer seek development contributions from film studios seeking to expand in the county following an appeal from owner Joe O'Connell.

At the moment the hit TV series Vikings is shot in Ashford Studios, as well as other outdoor locations in Wicklow.

Ashford Studios MD Shelley Hargadon has welcomed the decision.

She said: 'Wicklow has a long history of film-making. We have highly-skilled crews in the area, beautiful locations and are close to Dublin International Airport but we have been lacking infrastructure. With this permission, investment can now be made in purpose-built studio infrastructure of scale that can compete with other jurisdictions.'

It is hoped to start construction sometime in June of this year.

The planning approval means Ashford Studio can try and attract large scale studio-based film productions and in turn promote Wicklow as Ireland's movie hub.

The ten year permission allows for the development of film studios with ancillary facilities in 12 buildings.

They will accommodate film making, support offices, visitors centre, costume storage, make up room, set construction, paint shop, plaster shops, metal shop, timber shop, electrical, special effects, chemical store, set assembly and toilets. The buildings vary in size from one storey to four storey.

Cllr Shay Cullen, the Cathaoirleach of Wicklow Municipal District, believes the development could provide a jobs and tourism boost to the county.

'I think it is positive news for both Ashford and the County as a while. It could push Wicklow forward as the centrepiece of the film industry in Ireland.

'The development will enhance the reputation of Ashford Studio and will bring more film and TV productions to Wicklow. It will also improve business and tourism.

'It will also have a knock-on effect on many other businesses who could flourish once the studio expands.'

Wicklow People