The FAI yesterday called on the Department of Defence to define its policy clearly and quickly in relation to the association's proposed new stadium, Eircom Park.

The demand came on a day when the FAI, in a lengthy document, answered each of the 42 objections raised by Dublin South County Council in relation to planning permission for the stadium.

Bernard O'Byrne, FAI chief executive, said it answered in minute detail every issue raised by the council and hoped that it would "start the clock ticking again" on their plans to proceed with the construction of the arena, projected at £65 million.

O'Byrne was particularly critical of Department of Defence officials whom he accused of dragging their feet on the project. "It is a full year since the issue first surfaced and they still haven't stated their policy on Eircom Park," he said. "Now we have the Minister informing the Dail that their report won't be available until the autumn and that is difficult to accept.

"It is our understanding that the Minister is in receipt of a report which states unequivocally that there are no safety or operational negatives in relation to Casement Aerodrome which cannot be addressed by the flagging and lighting of Eircom Park.

"We are at a loss to know why this document cannot be published. We recognise of course that it is a big project but frankly, we feel that our association has been treated disgracefully by the Department. They have been putting us through the hoop for 12 months and they are still refusing to make a definitive statement on the matter."

O'Byrne said the FAI were determined to press ahead with the project, adding: "For many of our members, it raises the fundamental question of whether there is a wider strategy at work here to deflect us from our objective and drive us into the National Stadium. If there is, it will not succeed. We are still as committed as we were on day one to building Eircom Park."