A new Las Vegas-style, super casino and sports complex is to be built in the wilds of Ireland - with the ex-policeman behind the project hoping that his 'gamble will soon pay off'.

In a major boost for the building trade, it is to be constructed in North Tipperary, close to the village of Two-Mile-Borris and is expected to cost around €460m.

The complex will not only house a state-of-the-art casino, but a 5-star hotel, an all-weather racecourse and greyhound track, 18 hole golf course and entertainment arena.

-- Advertisement --

It will even have a replica of the USA White House, which is expected to form the centrepiece.

Earlier this month the independent TD Michael Lowry described the decision by North Tipperary County Council to grant planning approval as "a major step forward" and "refreshing and positive news at a time of gloom" as it could create thousands of new jobs in his Tipperary North constituency.

Mr Lowry estimated that 1,000 construction workers would be hired for the three-year building phase and "between 1,500 and 2,000 sustainable, permanent jobs" created in the long-term.

It will be called the Tipperary Venue and is the brainchild of developer Richard Quirke, a former garda from Thurles who has already poured millions of euros into the planned development.

He is best known for running a gaming arcade, Dr Quirkey's Good Time Emporium, on Dublin's O'Connell Street.

The 800-acre project would require the diversion of two rivers and the building of a road to connect to the recently completed Dublin-Cork M8 motorway.

(BMcC/KMcA)