A multi-million euro development planned for Nenagh, Co Tipperary, is set to raise archaeological, environmental and historical concerns because of its proximity to an old Augustinian priory and graveyard.
An environmental impact assessment has been completed for the proposal which would include 200 residential units at the Abbey field in the townland of Tyone, Nenagh.
The development will also consist of a commercial neighbourhood centre to include a 50-bed three-star hotel, retail units, a healthcare centre, two shops, one convenience store, pharmacy and a creche.
Developers Anthony Barry, Athlone, and Seán Desmond, Ballincollig, Co Cork, intend to apply to Nenagh Town Council for planning permission on the 9.68-hectare site in the coming months.
A number of proposed options are likely to raise concerns among landowners and residents, as well as environmental and historical groups.
The developers have suggested the construction of a 1.75-km link road.
Under the Nenagh Development Plan, most of the land on the site is zoned residential, while the area surrounding Tyone Abbey is zoned agricultural. The entire site is currently designated as a zone of archaeological potential, and Tyone Abbey and graveyard are listed as protected monuments.