The FAI have insisted they expect the oral hearing on Eircom Park at An Bord Pleanala to be held at the end of March rather than later this month, as was reported yesterday in The Irish Times.

The precise timing is considerably important for the association, because they are likely to be waiting on a decision from Davy Hickey on whether the company is to become involved in the development of the stadium.

This newest estimate for the hearing, given by chief executive Bernard O'Byrne yesterday morning, is at odds with the policy of the board, which tends to hold appeals within two to three weeks of confirming that one will take place.

It is also contrary to indications given by a Bord Pleanala spokesman, who said on Tuesday that, "we are currently checking the schedules of our people to see when we can fit it in but it should be February, probably within the next three weeks".

Yesterday the spokesman preferred not to make any firm predictions regarding a date, but indicated a decision would be announced early next week.

Yesterday's FAI Cup third round tie between Portmarnock and Dundalk was postponed at the 11th hour after the FAI accepted that it would hear an appeal lodged by the Dublin junior club, who were objecting to the fixture going ahead on the basis that were only given 24 hours notice of the game.

The Dundalk team and supporters, together with the match officials, were at John Hyland Park in Baldonnel when the game was officially postponed less than 30 minutes before the scheduled 2.30 p.m. kick-off.