Horse Racing Ireland has announced plans to develop a second all-weather track to complement the existing racecourse in Dundalk.
HRI said that is "seeking expressions of interest from existing racecourses and prospective new venues".
The announcement follows a decision taken by the Board of HRI at their meeting last Monday and forms part of a strategic ambition to grow participation levels and opportunities in the Irish racing industry.
Horse Racing Ireland CEO, Brian Kavanagh said: "Dundalk has proven the demand for a high quality all-weather racing product and has played a vital role in sustaining the racing industry and employment in flat yards throughout the winter months.
"It has also served as a shop window for our breeding industry with strong international demand for horses with proven ability.
"It came across clearly in our consultations and public roadshows last year that there was a demand from the industry for a second all-weather facility.
"The Board has recognised the role which a second all-weather track can play in creating further employment and increasing opportunities for owners, horses, trainers and jockeys.
"The development of a second all-weather track in Ireland will require significant investment by the racecourse owners and by Horse Racing Ireland and, funding permitting, we would like to see one introduced by 2021.
"We are therefore writing to existing racecourses to gauge the levels of interest in such a proposal and inviting interested parties to come forward with their proposals for discussion and consideration."
Meanwhile, the opening of the redeveloped Curragh has been delayed by three weeks, to 6 May.
The original programme scheduled for the Curragh on Saturday, 13 April will transfer it in its entirety to Naas on that day, and ticket sales for the Curragh will be honoured, or refunds can be sought through the Curragh.
Kavanagh said that the HRI board decided to "de-risk the situation and give certainty to the industry and public by delaying the public opening of the new Curragh facility until it is completely finished and fully tested."
