Plans for major sports development at Tipperary university
A Tipperary-based university has applied for planning permission to build a major new sports facility in a north Tipperary town.
Mary Immaculate College (MIC) with a campus in Thurles, has applied to Tipperary County Council for planning permission to build a new sports pavilion building with rooftop viewing terrace, as well as a new all weather pitch with associated fencing and floodlighting on their campus on Cathedral Street.
The pavillion will be located adjacent to MIC’s existing GAA pitch, and will aim to support the sports offerings that are available on campus.
The building will consist of three blocks, with one block housing a gym and team room together with kitchenette, office and ancillary accommodation.
The second and third blocks will extend east and west from the central block, with both housing two fully equipped changing rooms. A central corridor will run between each pair of changing rooms giving equal direct access to both the existing GAA Pitch and the proposed new all weather pitch.
Blocks two and three will also see referee rooms, first aid rooms and toilets developed.
The installation of the new all weather pitch would allow for a wider range of sports to be played on campus, according to planning files, such as soccer and rugby.
"The proposed surface will allow use of this pitch irrespective of weather and reduced reliance on the grass GAA pitch and training area,” planning files state.
"The proposed floodlighting will facilitate extended usage of the proposed pitch,” agents for MIC added.
The proposed new pitch will also allow for more community uses, according to the college, as the current GAA pitch is used by the Tipperary Camogie team, and the Tipperary Men’s Senior Hurling Team.
Tipperary County Council are set to make a decision on the application by September 30.