A major investment in Irish racing infrastructure moved a step closer on Friday as Martin Heydon, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, officially turned the sod on the new All-Weather Track at Tipperary Racecourse.

The ceremony marks the beginning of a significant redevelopment project that is set to transform racing in the region. Minister Heydon was joined by Nicky Hartery, Chairman of Horse Racing Ireland; Maurice Moloney, Chairman of the Tipperary Racecourse Committee; Andrew Hogan, Tipperary Racecourse Manager; Sinead Carr, CEO of Tipperary County Council; and Paul Dermody, CEO of HRI Racecourses, alongside local representatives, community leaders and project partners.

Work will now commence on the state-of-the-art All-Weather Track, which is scheduled for completion by the end of September 2027. The aim is to host a full winter racing programme during the 2027/28 season, providing year-round racing opportunities in the south of the country.

The main construction contract has been awarded to Atlantic Golf Construction, based in Ballybunion, County Kerry. The specialist polytrack racing surface will be developed by Martin Collins Enterprises Ltd, while McSherry Electrical Limited of Mallow, County Cork, will install the floodlighting system at the venue.

Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony, Minister Heydon described the development as both ambitious and transformative. “I am delighted to be here in Tipperary today to turn the sod on the new All-Weather Track project,” he said. “It’s an ambitious, exciting project and I wish Andrew Hogan, Maurice Moloney and the team in Horse Racing Ireland all the best.”

Highlighting the economic significance of the industry, he added that the project represents a major stimulus for the local economy. “The project is creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the horse racing and breeding industry that already generates €329 million in expenditure and approximately 3,000 jobs in Tipperary alone – contributing to the national figure of €2.46 billion and over 30,000 jobs, and will be hugely beneficial for the continued development of this world-class industry.”

For Tipperary Racecourse, the development is viewed as a pivotal moment in its history. Andrew Hogan said the project would have a lasting impact not just locally but across Munster and beyond. “Today is a hugely exciting day for Tipperary Racecourse and the broader county,” he said. “The new All-Weather Track is a crucial piece of infrastructure for the racing and breeding industry in Munster and beyond, and we are thrilled to see the redevelopment work get underway.”

He also acknowledged the support received in bringing the project to this stage and confirmed that stakeholder engagement events would take place over the summer as progress continues.

Nicky Hartery said the project aligns closely with HRI’s wider strategy. “Today marks an important moment not only for Tipperary Racecourse but for our vibrant racing and breeding industry,” he said. “The new All-Weather Track reflects Horse Racing Ireland’s strategic goal to create opportunities at all levels and will bring significant economic and social benefits for Tipperary and the broader region. It will provide a major boost to racing throughout the south of the country, offering accessible racing and training facilities all year round.”

With construction now underway, the countdown has begun to what will be an important geographical addition to Dundalk which is currently Ireland’s only All Weather Racing track.

Image Credit: Horse Racing Ireland and Inpho.ie

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