Dundalk have been given permission to play their outstanding FAI Cup third-round tie with Junior club Portmarnock.

The Department of Agriculture's expert group agreed to allow the game take place following a meeting yesterday afternoon. The match must be played outside Louth, presumably in Dublin, and behind closed doors.

The FAI will decide the date and venue on Monday leaving the way open for the game, postponed five times already, to take place probably either next Tuesday or Wednesday. Longford Town await the winners in the quarter-finals.

"We've been allowed to play the cup match for the time being," said Des Denning, the Dundalk chariman.

"What happens regarding our league games is still unclear. However, the fact they have made a precedent with this means that, if everything goes okay, we can get back to playing league games shortly as well."