GAA fans have welcomed as a "major step forward" planning approval being recommended for the long-awaited redevelopment of Casement Park.
Stormont infrastructure minister Nichola Mallon yesterday announced her decision on the application for the west Belfast stadium.
The troubled project on Andersonstown Road was first announced by Ulster GAA more than a decade ago but has faced multiple setbacks.
Initial planning approval for a 38,000-capacity venue was quashed by the High Court in 2014 following a challenge by nearby residents.
Analysis: Funding now key question for Casement Park
The project underwent a review the following year after a safety expert claimed the planned stadium could not be evacuated safely in certain emergencies.
A report found "broken" relationships behind the scenes and made a series of recommendations on reviving the project.
Revised plans with a reduced capacity of more than 34,000 were submitted in 2017.
Ms Mallon said she had "carefully considered" all of the representations and that it had been a "complex application".
The SDLP minster said the redevelopment would see the derelict facility turned into a "landmark" stadium.
"This stadium will boost sports tourism and the economy in the north. Jobs during the construction phase and additional jobs for the daily management are to be welcomed," she said.
"This decision represents a significant boost for our economy, our community and sports across Ulster and across our island."
The original budget for the project was about £77m, with Stormont pledging around £62m and the GAA providing £15m.
Its projected cost has since risen to £110m, but no agreement has been reached on plugging the funding shortfall.
Communities minister Carál Ní Chuilín, whose department is in charge of the regional stadia programme, said the extra money required is "going to have to come from the executive".
"I can't ask the executive for that money unless I finalise the business case which we will be doing, and then certainly go through the processes with the Department of Finance and indeed for executive approval," the Sinn Féin MLA told the BBC.
"But this is and has been part of every Programme for Government coming forward from 2010 right through, and I would be astonished if the executive didn't back this proposal."
Tom Daly, chairperson of the Casement Park stadium development project board, said the planning announcement was a "very significant milestone for Gaels across Ireland, Ulster and Antrim".
Ulster GAA chief executive Brian McAvoy said the stadium will be a "major boost to the GAA and wider society".
"The redeveloped Casement Park will bring positive local community benefits and we will work hard to be a good neighbour for all those who live in the locality," he said.
Antrim GAA chairman Ciaran McCavana said: "The Gaels of Antrim can now look forward to having a world-class facility that they can call home, which will also inspire future generations to grow and develop our games.
"It will not only serve the GAA members, but it will act as hub for community and cultural activities that will serve the wider community, creating a transformational social and cultural focal point in Belfast."
Gaels For Casement, a campaign group supporting the project, said it was a "major step forward" in "ensuring the Casement Park dream is realised".
Ms Mallon's decision comes after a recent law change clarified her powers, enabling her to act without resource to executive colleagues.
A Notice of Opinion to approve will now be issued to Belfast City Council and Ulster GAA. If both bodies agree with the decision, all relevant parties will then work to finalise a planning agreement on how to proceed with the rebuild.
Once that is concluded, Ms Mallon will issue final planning approval.
