The Curragh racecourse, the home of the Irish Derby, is to receive a major facelift in a €70 million redevelopment.
The new-look Curragh will cater for 50,000 additional spectators and the current stand is to be demolished and replaced by a three-tier grandstand.
Plans have been submitted to Kildare County Council for the development, which will include a new 72-bedroom hotel.
Mr Paul Hensey, manager of the Curragh racecourse, said yesterday that the course would be undergoing a major transformation. "It's going to essentially create a new racecourse," he said.
Mr Hensey emphasised that there would be no disruption to race meetings during construction except for a few weeks in late 2007 and early 2008.
The idea behind the development is to ensure that the racecourse upholds its high racing standards while at the same time becoming more viable all year round by attracting weddings, conferences and other events.
"We have tentatively put in an opening date for spring 2008, but it really depends on the planning process," Mr Hensey said.
As part of the plan, the road which runs behind the grandstand will be incorporated into the development and a new road will be constructed around the facility. A new roundabout will also be built.
A donation of €15 million from the Aga Khan has enabled the Turf Club to buy the Stand House Hotel, which will be incorporated into the new enclosure. It will be kept open throughout the refurbishment but will eventually be replaced by a new hotel overlooking the racecourse.
Mr Dennis Egan, speaking on behalf of the Turf Club, pointed out that the club had some resources of its own but said that it hoped to receive grant-aid from Horse Racing Ireland.
"It's very much dependent on whether we get planning permission. We might be in a position to begin work in 2006 if we get permission next year, but the new road will have to be in place first."
Mr Hensey pointed out that there would be no alterations to the racetrack.
"That is sacrosanct. We have decided not to move anything. The racetrack has one of the best surfaces in the world. It is one of the fairest in the world. It's a big gallop and it suits most horses," he said.
The Turf Club submitted the plans for the new hotel on December 21st and a second application for the road on December 23rd.
It is currently preparing separate plans for the new grandstand.