An Bord Pleanala has given the GAA the all-clear to press ahead with the final phase of Croke Park's redevelopment and complete construction work on the Nally Stand and Hill 16.
The planning body today rejected an appeal by local residents over plans to construct an increased capacity terrace at the north end of the stadium, swelling the overall capacity at GAA headquarters by up to 13,000.
The move will spell the end for the famous Hill 16 terrace as it exists and the Nally Stand has already been demolished in readiness for the new development.
Work on the terrace will not start before the conclusion of this year's hurling and football championships and may be delayed further as the GAA re-examines it's finances in the wake of the Government's decision to withhold promised grants to the association.
Last month, GAA president Seán McCague warned of "crippling debts" if these grants, totaling as much as €38,000,000, were not forthcoming.
In the meantime, a temporary platform stage will be built on the Hill to for use in the summer's Special Olympics. Both the opening and closing ceremonies of the event are to be staged at the venue.
An Bord Pleanala today ruled that objections to the proposed terrace on the grounds of public safety were unfounded and that the plans submitted were in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development in the area.
:quality(70)/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/irishtimes/7270b5a6-a1a6-4dca-b335-486e3e976083.png)