Tipperary set to have Ireland’s second all-weather racecourse

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) has outlined plans for the development of the country’s second floodlit all-weather track at Tipperary racecourse.

HRI Chief Executive Brian Kavanagh made a presentation to members of Tipperary County Council last week in which he outlined plans for the complete redevelopment of the racecourse at Limerick Junction, featuring a new all-weather track and start-up facilities for trainers.

The plan envisaged that the turf track will be retained for jumps meetings and schooling, while the installation of an all-weather surface would be the first phase of a development which will see the racecourse become a multi-use venue, providing facilities for horseracing and training.

In addition, the new facility will encourage recreational use for all on non-race days.

Kavanagh said: “This is a thoroughly exciting project for Tipperary racecourse and Horse Racing Ireland and together with Andrew Hogan and Jonathan Mullin.

"I was delighted to outline our initial plans to members of Tipperary County Council. I want to thank the Cathaoirleach Michael Smith and the members for their time, support and positive reaction to our plans.

"We are at a very early stage and this is just the commencement of a process that will require multiple layers of approval before any construction might start. In the coming days we will issue a tender for the design team for the all-weather track phase."

If developed, Tipperary would join Dundalk in having the only all-weather tracks in the country.