Objections to Tipperary development to be heard

An Bord Pleanala is to hold an oral hearing after objections to plans for a major sports and leisure development in north Tipperary.

The €450m planned project known as the 'Tipperary Venue' would be located beside the village of Two-Mile Borris.

The appeal - taken by An Taisce and three other parties - will be heard in public at a local venue within the next six weeks.

A final decision on the matter is expected by June.

Independent TD Michael Lowry, an ardent supporter of the project, said he was confident An Bord Pleanala would uphold the decision by North Tipperary County Council to grant planning permission to the development.

“I earnestly hope that this final obstacle can be overcome because this project is of crucial importance to Tipperary and the mid west region," Deputy Lowry said.

Deputy Lowry said the project will create 1,000 jobs during the construction phase and up to 2,000 permanent jobs on completion.