The redevelopment of Lansdowne Road can finally start after the last hurdle was cleared today.
An Bord Pleanála has given the all clear to the €300million project. Dublin City Council initially approved plans for the dilapidated ground to be turned into a 50,000-seat, state-of-the-art venue last July.
But there followed fierce opposition from local residents, as well as various other parties, prompting a lengthy review.
Although An Bord Pleanála have imposed 27 conditions in approving the plans, they are not expected to pose problems for the Football Association of Ireland and the Irish Rugby Football Union who will share the stadium.
FAI chief executive John Delaney said: 'We are delighted that An Bord Pleanála has supported Dublin City Council's decision to grant permission for the new stadium.
'This is one of the most significant developments ever for Irish football and we look forward to working with our partners, the IRFU and the Government, in moving the project forward.
'This project is absolutely critical to the successful development of football long into the future.
'The stadium will enable the funding of our sport from grassroots through to the international game by revenues generated. In particular through advance seat sales at the stadium on an ongoing basis.'
The Irish Government is contributing €191million towards the redevelopment, with the remainder divided equally between the FAI and IRFU.
