Protest fails to derail U2 tour

U2's worldwide tour appeared to be back on track tonight despite hours of protests holding up the removal of its custom-built stage from Croke Park.

Band officials confirmed the elaborate audio and visual equipment needed for the next tour dates were finally on the way to Sweden for two weekend shows.

The future of the gigs had been in doubt when angry residents mounted an overnight picket at the stadium, where the band finished three homecoming concerts on Monday night after playing to 240,000 fans.

Dozens of trucks which arrived in the early hours to take the sound system and 56 tonnes of video equipment to Gothenburg's Ullevi Stadium were delayed by the homeowners before a deal was brokered to suspend the protest at 8am

The dispute centred on planners giving permission to roadies to work continuously for 44 hours from midnight to dismantle and remove the 360-degree claw shaped stage.