John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael)
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655. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the development of an all-weather horse racing track in Tipperary, which will be a huge asset to the southern region economically and for the equine industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56909/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.

The development of a second all-weather racetrack in Ireland is a key element of HRI's Strategic Plan 2024-2028.

A Final Business Case for the development of an All-Weather Track at Tipperary Racecourse has been received by my Department from Horse Racing Ireland as required under the Infrastructure Guidelines. The Final Business Case is currently under consideration by my Department.

As part of the Business Case, HRI have set out a financial plan which includes a borrowing proposal. Any HRI borrowing proposals separately require consent from both of my colleagues, the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation and the Minister for Finance. This aspect is currently being considered as part of the overall approval process.