Proposals for a major new EUR460m (£400.5m) cultural, sports and leisure development in County Tipperary, Ireland, could face being axed under new Irish government legislation.

Alan Shatter, the country's minister for justice, equality and defence, said no provision is set to be made for "large resort-style casinos" in new gambling laws currently being prepared.

The Tipperary Venue, which is earmarked for a site near Two-Mile-Borris, was to feature a 500-room hotel with resort-style casino; an 18-hole golf course and a greyhound track.

However, the Irish government is only planning to make statutory provisions that will allow for the development of "modest-sized casinos".

The Irish government has recognised the need to support "a form" of casino entertainment, but felt there were "good reasons" not to back large-scale casinos as part of resort projects.

An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland, opposed the decision by North Tipperary County Council to approve the Tipperary Venue plans but has now welcomed the announcement by Shatter.

Charles Stanley-Smith, chair of An Taisce, said: "We are heartened that the minister has agreed with us said that there is no need for resort-style casino and that there is no social benefit in a resort of this scale."

Details: www.justice.ie