Fan zone may be set up in Smithfield for match on Sunday

Dublin City Council has said it is considering installing a large screen and fan zone at Smithfield in Dublin 7 on Sunday for soccer fans to watch Ireland take on France.

The council must examine issues around cost, security and event management before it makes a final decision.

The Government also said today it was considering the possibility of establishing a 'fan zone' in Dublin. Labour Party leader Brendan Howlin, who joined in the tributes from all sides in the House to the Ireland team on its "momentous win", raised the possibility and asked if the Government or Dublin City Council could organise this.

Mr Howlin, who praised the Ireland squad and fans, said it was not possible for all fans to go Lyons for the match but that they should have a facility to enjoy the “magnificent atmosphere”.

And he pointed to the Government’s ability to establish screens as they had done in the marriage equality referendum last year.

Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald said the Government could contact the appropriate authorities.

She said they had managed the screens on the day of the marriage equality referendum results.

Ms Fitzgerald described the victory as a “momentous win. I think the match and that goal will rank right up there with the best of our memories of Irish soccer”.

Fianna Fáil finance spokesman Michael McGrath paid tribute to the team and fans, whom he said “have done us proud”. He wished the team and Northern Ireland “all the best in the last 16 games”.

Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald noted that the two Irish teams were through to the next round of the European championships.

She speculated on the possibilities if an all-Ireland team was in place and said they could “take on all comers”.

Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy also associated herself with the congratulations to the Ireland team, the management team "and the terrific fans and to wish them well for Sunday".

She added “I hope we’ll be able to settle an old score there”, in reference to the playoff for the 2010 World Cup against France and the infamous incident where France player Thierry Henry handled the ball.