FAI submits planning application

FAI chief executive, Bernard O'Byrne, has estimated that planning permission for the association's proposed new stadium, Eircom Park, will take between five and 10 months to be processed, after which building work will start immediately.

The formal application for planning permission was submitted to South Dublin County Council within the last week, and O'Byrne said yesterday the association is waiting to hear whether there are objections to the scheme.

"We feel that we have done all that we could up to now to work with residents in the surrounding areas and we are hopeful that everything will go smoothly," he said, "but obviously with a project of this size there is always the possibility that some people are not going to be happy.

"We feel that the level of detail we have gone into with our proposals should mean we won't have to go away and do too much more work, even if there are some problems or we are asked to clarify any points. We think that it's a good proposal."

The contract with the builders, he added, specified that the construction of the stadium, which would start as soon as permission is granted, would take between 21 and 24 months. Meanwhile, a number of moves between National League clubs were confirmed yesterday, the most prominent involving the departure of St Patrick's Athletic striker Ian Gilzean for Glentoran.

The former Spurs and Sligo Rovers man, who had been linked with Finn Harps and Waterford United, has, in the end, agreed personal terms with the Irish League club.

Liam Buckley attempted to bring in Graham Lawlor to St Patrick's from Bohemians, but the Dubliner has joined Shamrock Rovers instead.

Bray Wanderers winger Don Tierney has joined Finn Harps, while Jason Kabia has gone on loan to Galway United. Not yet confirmed is the departure of Cork City's Kelvin Flanagan for Shelbourne.

The deal is now expected to be completed early next week.