Two Limerick outfits are among those who've been given the green light to apply for a League of Ireland licence.
Last month, several entities stepped up following the FAI's National League Executive Committee's invite for expressions of interest in entering the league.
Treaty United - formed following Limerick FC's expulsion from the First Division - were among them.
They've confirmed that they've been now invited to enter the licencing process for 2021. Treaty United already field teams in the Women's National League, and the men's U17 league.
The Irish Independent report that the original Limerick FC have also been told they can proceed in the licencing process.
UPDATE: LICENCING APPLICATION pic.twitter.com/jA11PJ3DtC
— Treaty United FC (@TreatyUnitedFC) December 9, 2020
Dublin club St. Francis say their application has been unsuccessful this time around.
The Liberties side had been hoping for a return to senior football for the first time since 2000.
Shamrock Rovers 2 have also been given the go-ahead to apply, although the prospect of a B-team entering the league next year appears remote.
St. Francis say they remain ambitious, and have set forth plans for further development of the club with the hope of returning to the League of Ireland in the future.
Carlow-Kilkenny FC had been rumoured to be among those seeking a League of Ireland licence, but will instead focus their attentions on new U19 Women's National League and boys U14 sides.
The surprise package in the licencing process are an entity trading under the name Irish Sea Ltd.
They plan to trade as Dublin County FC and count ex-Sunderland player Chris Makin and ex-Crystal Palace midfielder Jamie Fullarton among their owners and directors.
Irish Sea FC LTD trading as Dublin County FC are very pleased to announce that we have been invited to apply for a League of Ireland License. Our Board would like to thank the FAI and LOI for this great opportunity and all the time, effort and work they put into this process.
— Irish Sea FC (@IrishSeaFC1) December 9, 2020
American coach Dennis Lukens, as well as Alexi and Sibrena Geraldino - the principle owners of American lower league club New Jersey Teamsters are also involved.
Irish Sea Ltd say, "Our Board would like to thank the FAI and LOI for this great opportunity and all the time, effort and work they put into this process."
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