Local residents group, the Westbrook Arena Steering Committee, confirmed yesterday that it is to join the Department of Defence in appealing South Dublin County Council's decision to grant planning permission for Eircom Park to An Bord Pleanala.

"We'll be sending in a letter over the next two or three weeks outlining the grounds of our objections which are mainly to do with the height of the stadium, the safety aspects and the proximity of the development both to houses and to Jobstown Community School," said the group's spokesman, Philip Fitzpatrick.

An Taisce said yesterday they were considering an appeal over aspects of the council's decision and they expected to take a decision over the next week or so, while the FAI has not yet ruled out the possibility of it appealing some of the conditions attached to the granting of the permission.