Appeal delays Apex Aviation’s Nenagh expansion pausing North Tipperary development plans

Plans for a new aircraft engine maintenance and storage facility in North Tipperary near Nenagh have been delayed following an appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

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Apex Aviation Ltd, an aircraft engine maintenance and repair company, had secured planning permission from Tipperary County Council last month for a six-hectare development at Lisboney Business Park. The project includes five detached commercial buildings comprising an engine maintenance centre, an aircraft engine storage facility, three warehouse units, offices and supporting infrastructure.

The company, which employs 51 people across sites in Shannon, Birdhill and Nenagh, had planned to consolidate its operations at the Lisboney site. Local TD Alan Kelly previously welcomed the decision to grant permission, describing it as “good news” for the town and a boost for employment in the region.

Concerns had been raised during the planning process about environmental issues, including water and wastewater capacity, waste management and flood risk. Inland Fisheries Ireland also called for careful management of stormwater discharge.

Although the council attached 17 conditions to its approval — including a ban on engine test benches and a development contribution of €205,332 — the decision has now been appealed by a third party. The appellant cited environmental concerns and questioned a potential conflict of interest, as the land earmarked for the development is owned by Tipperary County Council.

The appeal means construction cannot proceed until An Coimisiún Pleanála issues a ruling, a process that could take several months.

Apex Aviation provides maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for commercial aircraft engines and auxiliary power units. It specialises in General Electric, CFM International, IAE, Pratt & Whitney and Honeywell products, and operates under European and US aviation safety approvals, with oversight by the Irish Aviation Authority.

The planned Nenagh facility would bring together the firm’s existing activities in a single modern hub, reinforcing the town’s reputation as a centre for high-value industrial operations. For now, the company must await the outcome of the appeal before it can proceed.

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