Tipp could host Breeders’ Cup ‘if track approved’
Yesterday, along with his wife Anne-Marie, he voiced his support for the €460 million “Tipperary Venue” incorporating a hotel/casino, racing track and 15,000-capacity indoor entertainment venue.
The couple made a submission to the second day of an oral hearing being held by An Bord Pleanála into plans by businessman Richard Quirke to develop the project on an 800-acre site at Two-Mile-Borris outside Thurles.
The O’Briens said organisers of the Breeders’ Cup — the self-styled world championships of flat racing held every autumn — have expressed an interest in staging the two-day fixture in Europe at some point.
At the moment, no European venue has the necessary grass and artificial surface to stage what is the most valuable race meeting in the world. But, speaking on behalf of her husband and herself, Anne-Marie O’Brien said: “The Tipperary Venue will be the first European track capable of hosting a Breeders’ Cup.”
Ms O’Brien said the proposed development is not dependent on grants. “This is a wonderful opportunity for racing to create something unique and unrivalled.”
Aidan O’Brien trains at Ballydoyle in south Tipperary while the Coolmore stud operation in Fethard, Co Tipperary, has also thrown its weight behind the Tipperary Venue, as has the Irish Greyhound Board. Horse Sport Ireland chief executive Damian McDonald told the public hearing the development could also host the World Equestrian Games.
Richard Quirke, a former garda whose business interests include the Dr Quirkey’s Goodtime Emporium amusement arcade in Dublin, wants to build a 500-bed hotel and casino, golf course, greyhound racing circuit and equestrian centre, as well as turf and all-weather horseracing tracks. The project, which also includes a replica of the White House in memory of its Kilkenny-born designer James Hoban, secured planning from North Tipperary County Council last October. Following appeals by some local residents and An Taisce, An Bord Pleanála decided to hold a public hearing.
Concerns include the amount of traffic generated by the venue, helicopter activity, noise and emissions into the atmosphere while An Taisce have also questioned the viability of elements of the scheme and pointed out that, under current legislation, a casino would not be permitted.
The hearing continues today.
