PLANNING: Historic Tipperary building set to be turned into a new takeaway restaurant

Plans have been submitted to Tipperary County Council seeking permission to open a new takeaway restaurant in west Tipperary.

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Nike Arra has applied for a change of use for a protected structure on Main Street in Tipperary Town, with the proposal aimed at developing a new takeaway business at the location.

The planned outlet, to be known as Nico’s Takeaway, would operate from the former Prime 74 restaurant premises, which ceased trading in 2022. Prior to its use as a restaurant, the building had previously functioned as a bank.

The property was placed on the market in August 2024 with a guide price of €380,000. The final sale price has not been made public.

If approved, the Tipperary Town development would expand Nike Arra’s existing takeaway portfolio. The company already operates a takeaway in Cappawhite and another in the north Tipperary town of Newport.

Planning permission for the Newport outlet was granted by Tipperary County Council in 2020 but was subsequently appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála, formerly An Bord Pleanála.

The appeal cited concerns regarding the high number of takeaway and food outlets already operating in the town, noting that nine such businesses were in existence at the time and that local traders were facing financial pressures.

An Coimisiún Pleanála ultimately upheld the council’s decision, concluding that the proposed development would not lead to an excessive concentration of takeaway outlets in the area.

A decision on the planning application for the proposed Tipperary town takeaway is expected from Tipperary County Council by March 10.

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