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GAA President Sean Kelly said that the Central Council had taken a positive decision about the applications.
He added that this was "consistent with the spirit of the decision taken by Congress last April" and that negotiations would now be held.
"It is now a matter for the sporting bodies to apply themselves to reaching a mutually acceptable accommodation on arrangements and terms," Kelly concluded.
The Central Council took into account that Lansdowne Road would be closed for redevelopment for all of 2007 and both sporting bodies are required to confirm venues for that year in early 2006 with their respective international bodies.
In a statement, the IRFU said they "welcomed the decision reached by the Central Council of the GAA".
"We look forward to engaging in formal discussions for the use of Croke Park for rugby internationals during the unavailability of Lansdowne Road," the statement said.