The new Lansdowne Road stadium is proposed to look like this

Despite opposition and a seven-month review of the project, planners gave unanimous approval to the proposals.

This means Irish rugby and football will get a new �237m home and the ageing ground will be turned into a 50,000 all-seater stadium.

A list of 23 conditions was imposed but these are unlikely to impede the plans of the Irish Rugby Football Union and the Football Association of Ireland.

There is no reduction in the proposed 50,000 all-seater capacity or any restriction on any number of sporting events.

The Bord said three concerts could take place at the venue - the same number as allowed at Croke Park.

Special arrangements must be put in place to keep disruption to local residents to a minimum during the two-year-long demolition and construction.

Public access in and around the ground will also be restricted.

The board approved the plan because of Lansdowne's long association with sport adding that the project would enhance the area and that Dublin needed a new modern sports arena.

The re-development programme has been the cornerstone of our strategic plan for the development of the game at all levels IRFU chief executive Philip Browne

Complaints centred on the stadium's height and design, inclusion of conference facilities, demolition of two houses, additional traffic and claims of a fall in property values.

Plans for the 300 million Euro project were passed by the Dublin City Council in July but were then appealed against by various parties.

The Irish Government has agreed to give a 200m Euro grant for the project with the two governing sports bodies meeting the remainder of the cost.

Uefa have promised to host a European Cup final in the redeveloped Lansdowne within a few years of its completion.

The IRFU and the FAI have both welcomed Thursday's news.

"From the outset, the re-development programme has been the cornerstone of our Strategic Plan for the development of the game at all levels," said IRFU chief executive Philip Browne.

"Lansdowne Road has world renown as the home of Irish Rugby for 130 years and this proudly will continue to be the case."

The 2005 Congress decision to host Internationals in Croke Park while Lansdowne Road is closed due to redevelopment of the stadium still applies GAA statement

FAI chief executive John Delaney said: "This is one of the most significant developments ever for Irish football and we look forward to working with our partners the IRFU and the Government in moving the project forward.

"The project is absolutely critical to the successful development of football long into the future," he said.

Both the FAI and the IRFU thanked the Irish Government and "particularly" Sports Minister John O'Donoghue for the "generous funding of 191m Euro".

The Gaelic Athletic Association also welcomed the decision to grant planning permission for the project and congratulated the Irish Government and the IRFU and FAI.

The GAA reaffirmed that it is committed to hosting football and rugby internationals at Croke Park in 2007 and 2008.

"The 2005 Congress decision to host Internationals in Croke Park while Lansdowne Road is closed due to redevelopment of the stadium still applies, subject to agreements between the parties involved," said a GAA statement.