Planning body set to rule on Lansdowne redevelopment plan

An Bord Pleanála is expected to reveal its ruling today on the proposed redevelopment of Dublin's Lansdowne Road stadium.

The local authorities granted permission for the planned €365m revamp last August, but more than 30 groups and individuals have lodged objections, including local residents.

However, two of the objections were withdrawn last week when the IRFU bought two houses on Lansdowne Road owned by objectors for between €5m and €7m each.

An Bord Pleanála was due to make its decision on the matter last month, but said it needed more time because of the complex nature of the case.

An unfavourable ruling would be a major headache for the IRFU and FAI and could delay the completion of the project beyond its 2009 deadline.