The introduction of a second all-weather track in Ireland would appear to be imminent after An Bord Pleanála granted permission for construction to get underway at Tipperary Racecourse.
Dundalk became Ireland's first and only all-weather track in 2007 but Horse Racing Ireland have been working hard behind the scenes in recent years for Tipperary to become the second.
Tipperary County Council had granted permission for the development in August 2022 but the project met a roadblock when the decision was appealed by residents close to the racecourse the following month.
The appeal process took almost 16 months and news broke on Friday afternoon that the green light had been given for what had been previously estimated to be an €18 million development.
Tipperary manager Andrew Hogan commented, “I was delighted to get that news today. It's very positive and is huge news for Irish racing. There is a big demand for a second all-weather track in Ireland. Not only that but, for all of the trainers and owners in the south, it will be a great benefit to them.”
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