An Bord Pleanála, the Irish state planning authority, has launched an oral hearing into plans for a EUR450m (£385.3m) cultural and leisure scheme in County Tipperary.

North Tipperary County Council has already approved Richard Quirke's proposals for The Tipperary Venue, which will be sited near the village of Two-Mile-Borris. However, independent TD for the area Michael Lowry confirmed that objections from An Taise and three others had prompted An Bord Pleanála to hold the hearing.

A 500-room hotel with resort-style casino; an academic reconstruction of the White House as it was in Washington, US, in 1829; and an 18-hole golf course are proposed. A racecourse with a National Hunt track, sprint track, all-weather track and greyhound track, as well as a driving range and a 15,000-seat entertainment venue are also planned.

The case is due to be decided by 30 March.