The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) is confident plans for a redeveloped Lansdowne Road will not face any major planning obstacles, despite concerns expressed by residents' groups last night.
A number of local groups met to discuss plans for a redeveloped 50,000-seater stadium.
The main issues of concern to residents are the planned expansion of the stadium into land occupied by the Dodder riverside walkway, the level of disruption during the construction phase and potential overshadowing from the new facility.
Residents' associations have agreed to form a representative group which will liaise with planners who are finalising designs for the stadium.
However, a spokesman for the IRFU said the organisation was confident the first sod at the ground will be turned within 18 months. "We will be working with all interested parties. Such is the sense of support and goodwill for the project that we do not expect any major planning obstacles," the spokesman said.
While it has been suggested that the stadium could face a two-year planning battle, permission could be granted within a year if there is not significant opposition to the plans.
The IRFU says a priority of the design was to minimise the impact of the development on local residents.
The "sweeping, translucent roof" would help to make the venue "a significant aesthetic improvement" on the existing structure and reduce any potential overshadowing, the planners say.
They also claim that work on the stadium could proceed without disruption to the DART and suburban rail services on the line that currently runs under the west stand.
The new venue would be pushed away from the train line, while retaining its north-south axis.
It would benefit from easier and safer access for pedestrians, thanks to subterranean walkways under the railway, the IRFU says.
An IRFU spokesman said the new stadium design would also allow for new traffic-management plans to be drawn up.
While the plans have met with a mixed reaction from residents' groups, the preservation of the walkway beside the River Dodder has emerged as a major issue.
Mr Joe Cassidy of the Ringsend, Irishtown and Sandymount Environmental Group said the walkway could be preserved by amending plans for the stadium.
"This is a public amenity. We will make representations about this issue at the planning stage if we need to," he said.
Ms Frances Corr of the Bath Avenue and District Residents' Association also said the walkway was the "last green area" left in the locality and that residents' were strongly opposed to any attempt to alter it.
Cllr Dermot Lacey of the Labour Party, who helped to organise last night's meeting of local residents' groups, said: "The residents' concerns are legitimate.
"They are not obstructionists. The best way of addressing them is to deal with problems now. This could lead to a lesser number of objections and, perhaps, a smoother passage through the planning process."
While generally supportive of the plans, he said the potential disposal of the walkway will ultimately have to be voted upon by councillors.
The 10 local councillors will be asked to consider the matter and make a recommendation to Dublin City Council.
Traditionally, councillors vote in favour of local representatives' conclusions.
Lansdowne: what happens next?
Meetings with local residents
Planners will meet local residents shortly to discuss plans and address issues of concern to them. The IRFU is to select a project management company to oversee planning and construction issues.
Submission of planning application
The IRFU is expected to seek planning permission in the coming months after consulting locals and other interested parties.
Dublin City Council vote
Councillors will vote on disposing of an area of land adjoining the Dodder River. This is expected to take place two to six months after the submission of the planning application.
Planning decision
A decision on whether to grant planning permission is expected within 12 months. This could be delayed by a further six months if there are planning objections.
Construction of stadium
The IRFU is hopeful construction of the stadium will begin within 18 months. It says DART and suburban rail services will not be affected during construction.
Stadium completion
Officials in the IRFU and FAI estimate the stadium will be completed by 2008. However, it could be earlier - depending on the speed at which planning permission is processed.
