An Bord Pleanála has deferred its decision on the plan to redevelop Lansdowne Road as a 50,000-seater stadium until March 22nd because of the complexity of issues raised by appellants.
Dublin City Council's decision last August to approve the €350 million project was appealed to the board by more than 30 residents groups and individuals in the Ballsbridge area, close to the existing rugby grounds.
Their objections centred on the height and design of the stadium, inclusion of conference facilities, demolition of two houses, impact of construction work, additional traffic and a claimed fall in property values.
These issues were discussed at an oral hearing last December, and it had been anticipated the board would make its ruling by today, following receipt of the report and recommendations of the presiding planning inspector. But in a letter issued this week to all parties, including the Lansdowne Road Stadium Development Company (LRSDC), which is spearheading the largely Government-funded scheme, An Bord Pleanála said it needed more time.
Expressing regret over this delay, its letter referred to the continuing high volume in the intake of appeals. "In view of the delay involved in bringing this case to determination, priority consideration is being given to the case," it added.
"Most cases are decided within a short period of their being formally considered for the first time at board level," the letter explained. "A target date of before 22nd March, 2007, has now been set . . ."
The most controversial issue is the height of the proposed stadium which, at 48.5m (160ft), would make it 15m taller than Croke Park. Objectors claim this is due to the conference facilities.
It would be open to An Bord Pleanála to reduce the height, even though this would almost inevitably mean a reduction in the capacity of the stadium, or to order the omission of conference facilities.
The LRSDC was hoping to start preparatory work on the new stadium very shortly, and had indicated the Dart line would have to be closed for the Easter weekend to facilitate demolition of the west stand.
However, it is clear this ambitious timetable will have to be revised because of the delay in determining the planning appeals. The target date of completing the project by the end of 2009 may also be missed.