Mary Immaculate College (MIC) has submitted a planning application to Tipperary County Council for a proposed new sports development on its Thurles campus.
The plans include the construction of a sports pavilion building with a rooftop viewing terrace, as well as the installation of a new all-weather pitch with fencing and floodlighting. The proposed pavilion will be located beside the campus’s existing GAA pitch and is designed to support the sports facilities available on site.
The three-block building is set to include a gym, team room, kitchenette, and office space as well as ancillary accommodation in the central block. The two adjoining blocks will each house two changing rooms, with a central corridor providing equal direct access to both the existing GAA pitch and the proposed all-weather pitch. Referee rooms, first aid rooms, and toilet facilities are also included in the plans.
The all-weather pitch will enable a wider range of sports to be played on campus, including soccer and rugby, and will facilitate extended usage through floodlighting. The proposed facilities are intended for both campus and community use, complementing the existing GAA pitch, which is used by the Tipperary Camogie team and the Tipperary Men’s Senior Hurling Team.
Prof. Jennifer Johnston, Vice-Dean at MIC Thurles, said:
"This planned development is part of MIC’s commitment to providing high-quality facilities that support the physical well-being and sporting ambitions of our students. Sport plays a key role in campus life at MIC Thurles, and these new facilities will ensure we can offer a broader range of opportunities to our students throughout the year. It will be of benefit not only to our students, but also to the local sporting community who make use of our grounds."
Rachel Costello, Director of Estates & Sustainability at MIC, added:
Developing our sports infrastructure ensures that MIC Thurles continues to meet the evolving needs of our student body. The planned facilities will not only improve training and matchday experiences, but will also provide more inclusive opportunities for a wider range of sports."
A decision on the planning application is expected from Tipperary County Council in the coming months.
