Irish media are reporting that planned new regulations for outdoor concerts may come into force within a week.

If so, this will boost the chances of a second Slane Castle concert at the end of the summer.

Tens of thousands of fans were left disappointed last month when 80,000 tickets for U2's concert at Slane Castle on August 25th sold out in 45minutes. But both band and promoters have said they are willing to put on a second concert at Slane if regulations permit.

Taoisech Bertie Ahern and Environment Minister Noel Dempsey pledged to fast-track a new system, cutting through the red tape of planning permission.

The regulations will be discussed in the Irish Parliament within days and could be in place by the end of the week.

Justin Green of promoters MCD said that he wanted to study the proposed regulations before commenting on their implications for a second U2 concert.