Politicians welcome decision on new Lansdowne stadium

The Government and Opposition have welcomed An Bord Pleanála's decision to approve the planned redevelopment of the Lansdowne Road stadium in Dublin.

The planning body granted permission for the €350m project yesterday evening, subject to 23 conditions.

Minister for Sports John O'Donoghue has described the development as historic, saying it will have massive economic benefits for Dublin.

Fine Gael TD Jimmy Deenihan, meanwhile, said he hoped work on the 50,000-seater stadium would begin immediately and progress seamlessly over the coming years.

"I can understand the views and the concerns of the local people, but hopefully, there will be as little disruption as possible and what they'll get in the end will be something they will be very comfortable with," he said.