Panti Bliss has been granted permission to keep the iconic sign above the entrance to her Dublin bar following an appeal against a council decision.

A ruling by An Bord Pleanála described the LED sign as “integral to the social, historical and cultural significance” of the city centre venue.

There were concerns earlier this year that the 3.5m banner would have to be permanently removed after Dublin City Council refused an application for planning retention.

The local authority cited its size, scale and "inappropriate lighting" among the reasons for the decision.

But An Bord Pleanála said in a verdict sent to local councillors that circumstances merit the sign staying put.

The planning body said it was satisfied that the signage does not conflict with policy in the council's development plan.

It noted that current guidelines allow illuminated signs to be displayed outside in exceptional circumstances.

Full Bord Pleanála ruling allowing @PantiBliss sign to stay pic.twitter.com/yjWER6qPxJ

— Catherine Healy (@Chealy_) October 6, 2016

Panti Bliss welcomed the decision this morning, saying she was "absolutely delighted" to have won the appeal.

"Thanks to everyone for their support," she wrote in a Facebook post.

Absolutely DELIGHTED that we won our appeal & An Bord Pleanála have granted permission for the Pantibar sign to stay! Thanks all for support pic.twitter.com/jm37FzBeO1

— Dr Panti Bliss (@PantiBliss) October 6, 2016

Green Party councillor Ciarán Cuffe told Newstalk.com that the ruling "sends out a clear message of equality".

"The sign represents a struggle for equality that has taken generation," he said.

"Ireland is a different place and a better place because of that struggle."