Permission granted for impressive new sports facility at MIC Thurles
Plans approved for MIC Thurles sports facility
Permission has been granted to Mary Immaculate College (MIC) for an impressive new sports development at 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 netting and floodlighting.
The new 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 planners report noted that the ground levels of the proposed pitch are largely in keeping with the existing site and existing grass pitch to the north and that the structure is therefore well below the levels of the nearest residential dwellings, which are a significant distance from the development.
The report also concludes that the proposed works have minimal impact on Saint Patrick's College, Cathedral Street.
New car parking spaces will not be included as part of the development as the existing 160 car spaces within the college were deemed an acceptable number. However, 24 new bicycle spaces are proposed to ensure users of the development have access to cycle parking.
An Environmental Impact Assessment was not required for this development as a preliminary examination has already been undertaken and accepted.
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.
The permission was granted by Tipperary County Council on May 21, 2026.