Croke Park could be facing a race against time to get floodlights installed at the stadium ahead of next year's Six Nations rugby internationals. The planning application is currently with An Bord Pleanála, who are considering several objections, and while a decision is due possibly within days, any extended delays could force an adjustment to the kick-off times of those games.

It's almost a year since the Croke Park stadium authorities submitted their application to Dublin City Council, who granted approval.

As expected, however, there were several objections lodged through the Croke Park Area Residents Alliance, an umbrella group representing 10 local residents' associations. Further objections were lodged through the Iona Residents Association.

Stadium director Peter McKenna was understandably cautious about predicting the timing and outcome of the Bord Pleanála judgment.

"At this stage we are still awaiting word," he said. "They don't give you a definite date. There were several objections, but not really to do with planning issues. But obviously every objection has to be carefully considered on its merits."

An Bord Pleanála's decision is effectively definitive, and while there is still some time to play with, it is understood the weather will play a major role in the installation. Any high winds or heavy rain would inevitably lead to further delays, given how precarious is the process of installing the lights on the stadium roof. And that's where Croke Park could run into trouble.

It was originally envisaged the floodlights would be installed for next month's second International Rules Test in Croke Park on November 5th. Once it was realised that would not happen it was decided to start next year's National Football League under the lights in February, probably with a top-billing game such as Dublin against Kerry.

Ireland's first home Six Nations game against France is set for the following Sunday, February 11th - the first "foreign" game after the historic decision to allow soccer and rugby be played in Croke Park while Lansdowne Road is redeveloped.

That game has 3pm start, which would still necessitate floodlights, while the next home game, against England on February 24th, has a 5.30pm start.

The stadium is already wired for the installation of the lights, but it's still a large-scale project - costing around €3 million.

The latest floodlight technology would also be used, creating a lighting that is much more direct with less spillage outside the stadium.

In June, however, the residents' association called for a public hearing into the City Council's decision to allow floodlights.

Among their grievances was the "nuisance" associated with evening events and the fact no limit had been put on the number of GAA, soccer and rugby games played at night. They cited as part of their objection the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (article 12, which deals with privacy of the family, home and suchlike).

In the meantime the stadium has been more successful in installing a new under-soil heating system, with the groundwork involving a network of piping already completed.

According to McKenna, the work was part of the continuing pitch improvements and not directly related to the upcoming rugby and soccer fixtures.

"No, we certainly aren't just doing it for two rugby games," he said. "It was part of our ongoing plans for pitch improvements. Obviously we've taken on board some criticisms and we've responded to them.

"It's not a very aggressive work, in that the piping is easily pulled through the soil. Once the surface settles down again the pitch will be fine for the International Rules Test on Sunday, November 5th. And it will really complement the heat-lighting system we already use.

"There are several consequential benefits. First and foremost it encourages growth of the grass roots. If daytime temperatures drop to below eight degrees the grass stops growing. And we do still have several games going on over the winter, such as Cumann na mBunscol games and junior and intermediate club finals.

"Playing with any frost on the ground means the grass can end up being ravaged. This system will take the frost off before every game now. Traditionally February is not a bad month and then March can turn wretched. And of course we've been known to have snow in April. I think last year's St Patrick's Day was one of the coldest in history."