Green light for Nenagh aviation complex
Final approval has been granted by An Coimisiún Pleanála for the development of a new aviation complex in Nenagh, in what has been branded by one local councillor as a significant investment in the town’s economic future.
Aircraft engine specialist Apex Aviation has been given final planning permission to construct five detached commercial buildings on a 5.9ha site owned by Tipperary County Council at Lisboney Business Park in Nenagh.
The new development will comprise an aircraft engine maintenance building and an aircraft engine storage facility (both with associated office space), as well as three detached warehouse buildings, among other works.
Apex – which provides maintenance services for both Boeing and Airbus at Shannon Airport – already has operations at the former Procter & Gamble/Coty site in Gortlandroe, and in Birdhill.
Initial planning permission had been issued for the prospective development at Lisboney in late 2025. However, a third-party appeal lodged on environmental and ecological grounds stalled the process.
Ultimately, An Coimisiún Pleanála stated that, subject to a series of conditions, “the proposed development would provide for an appropriate form of development” at that location and that “it would be acceptable in terms of pedestrian and traffic safety, would not adversely affect any Natura sites, would be acceptable in terms of visual impact and design, and would be acceptable in terms of water supply and surface water.” “The proposed development would therefore be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area,” it said.
In a previous correspondence with Tipperary County Council, Apex had outlined that the aircraft engine maintenance building at its new facility would be used the same way as currently carried out in Gortlandroe, along with the addition of more in-depth maintenance of engine modules.
The storage building is to also have a logistics function to allow for the shipping of engines and components. “Buildings 3, 4 and 5 will be offered to the aviation industry, in particular companies which will complement Apex and/or current companies for expansion purposes,” the council was informed.
The announcement that final planning permission had been granted received a broad political welcome last week. Reacting to the news, Nenagh councillor Louise Morgan Walsh described it as “a significant investment in Nenagh’s long-term economic future, strengthening the town’s commercial base and supporting long-term job creation in a strategically located business hub”.
Cllr Séamus Morris also welcomed the news, saying that “Nenagh was the place to be” and noting that the land on which the development will be constructed had recently been purchased by Nenagh Municipal District to promote industrial employment in the town.