Super casino objections to be aired at hearing

AN oral hearing to discuss objections to a planned super casino in Tipperary is set to take place on March 8.

An Bord Pleanála has decided to host the oral hearing on the planned €460 million development near Thurles.

The decision has been taken despite the fact the appeals body has already approved the ambitious plan for the major development close to the village of Two-Mile-Borris near Thurles.

The development had previously been granted planning permission by North Tipperary County Council and its decision was upheld by Bord Pleanála.

However, following a number of objections, including a large-scale objection from An Taisce, the appeals board has taken the decision to hold a public hearing on the development and following this process a final and concrete decision is expected to be made on the future of the project before next June.

If the business venture gets the go-ahead it is expected to create 2,000 full-time jobs.

A further 1,000 people will be employed during the three years of construction.

The planned 800-acre development will be known as The Tipperary Venue and the chief investor is Dublin-based businessman Richard Quirke.

A former garda from Thurles, he is best known within the gaming industry for his Dr Quirkey’s Good Time Emporium.

The ambitious project plan also includes a racecourse featuring a National Hunt Track, Sprint Track and all-weather floodlit track.

A 500-room hotel is also planned to incorporate a casino and the centrepiece of the venue will be a replica of the White House in Washington, in homage to local man, James Hoban, who designed the original building.

A golf course and greyhound track and a 15,000-seat entertainment venue are also planned.

The Tipperary Venue is also being backed by racehorse trainer, Aidan O’Brien, concert promoter Denis Desmond and local Independent TD, Michael Lowry.

The oral hearing is to take place in the Horse and Jockey Hotel.