The manager at Tipperary Racecourse says the company is delighted to receive planning permission for a major development at the track including an All Weather Racetrack.
Andrew Hogan notes that An Bord Pleanála added 12 conditions to the decision and these are now to be reviewed by the Design team and Horse Racing Ireland.
In a statement to Tipp Mid West radio today(Feb 2nd) Horse Racing Ireland(HRI) confirms it has commenced the pre-qualification stage of the tender process but has not yet issued the main contract tender.
The hope is that, subject to the necessary approvals being consented by DAFM, the project would commence in the spring of 2025 to be concluded in the autumn of 2026.
Once the all-weather facility is in operation it is expected that 31 race meetings will be held annually instead of the current 11 meetings.
These will be a mix of flat and national hunt(over fences) racing as the existing turf track is to be retained.
The venue is also to be used for galloping and schooling horses.
Full time employment positions at the venue are also expected once it is in operation.
In addition, the facility will be available throughout the year for commercial and community events that will benefit the local community and tourism efforts in Tipperary.
The venue is to form the Tipperary hub for the Thoroughbred Country Experience, an equine based tourism product, being developed by Tipperary and Kildare County Councils.
The system for managing the drainage of the all weather track will result in the creation of opportunities for some water based activities.
The proposed route for the N24 Road upgrade will not interfere with the project according to Mr Hogan.
