The biomass power plant in Glenavy, which will burn poultry products, is expected to create up to 400 construction jobs.

The incinerator has met opposition from local residents concerned about the impact on the rural landscape and communities near Lough Neagh.

Environment minister Edwin Poots said he was fully aware of both opposition and support for the power plant and had to judge between the benefits to the poultry industry and the economy and the potential adverse impact on local houses and landscape.

"Having given the proposal careful consideration, including visiting the site and viewing it from Lough Neagh, I am satisfied that on balance it should be approved," he said.

"This type of investment is necessary to further stimulate the local economy, something the Executive is striving to secure. It is an example of investment that can contribute in many ways, providing long-term work, generating power, supporting local agriculture, and related industries."

The application was submitted in June last year by Rose Energy. It will burn poultry bedding, meat and bonemeal and produce approximately 30 megawatts of electricity.

Around 30 permanent positions will be created at the plant.

An expert group on alternative uses of manure concluded that combustion was the only technology for processing poultry litter which is proven on a commercial scale and which significantly reduces the volume of material to be disposed of.

The Environment Department received 6,342 letters and four petitions in support of the development and 6,733 letters and one petition opposed to it.