Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) has received formal approval from the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, to proceed with the development of Ireland’s second all-weather racing track at Tipperary racecourse.
The sign-off of the project’s final business case marks the last requirement under the Government’s Infrastructure Guidelines, allowing HRI to move ahead with procurement of a main contractor and specialist subcontractors for lighting and track surfacing. Contract signing is expected in early December, with further details to follow.
Under the current timeline, construction will begin in the first quarter of 2026 and conclude by the end of the third quarter of 2027. The aim is to stage a full winter racing programme at Tipperary in the 2027/28 season. The racecourse will close for the duration of the works, and HRI will announce temporary venues for its 2026 fixtures in the coming weeks.
Announcing the approval, Minister Heydon said his department was “delighted to approve the development of a new All Weather Track at Tipperary racecourse,” noting that the project is a central pillar of HRI’s strategic plan. He said the investment would “support the future growth and continued success of the horse racing industry,” which he described as an important contributor to the rural economy and Ireland’s social and cultural fabric. “This project will further enhance Ireland’s world-class reputation for excellence in horse racing,” he added.
HRI CEO Suzanne Eade said the approval represented “a very significant and welcome milestone” for the organisation. She said the development would generate “a huge economic stimulus for Tipperary, both town and county,” through job creation, support for local businesses and increased tourism. The new track would also strengthen racing activity in the south, she noted, with 60% of trainers based within 90 minutes of the venue. “Tipperary as a county is at the very heart of Irish racing and the All Weather Track development will further cement this position,” she said.
Tipperary Racecourse Manager Andrew Hogan described the decision as “very positive news” for the venue and the wider region, highlighting strong community and industry backing for the project. He cited a 2023 Deloitte report estimating that horse racing generates €329 million in expenditure in County Tipperary, a figure he expects will grow significantly once the new track is operational. The racecourse will continue to stage its traditional turf jumping fixtures alongside regular winter Flat racing, while the main track and a new deep sand gallop will be made available for year-round training.
Minister Heydon said he looked forward to seeing the project’s impact on the continued development of the sector. “I want to wish Horse Racing Ireland well with the project,” he said.
Image Credit: HRI, Inpho.ie, Sportsfile
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