Dublin zoo has applied for planning permission for a state-of-the-art veterinary centre as part of its expansion plans.

The facility, which would include an operating theatre for animals, will replace the current outdated clinic.

Existing buildings will have to be demolished to make way for the single-storey centre, which will be funded by the Office of Public Works.

A new horticultural compound is also planned.

Located in the zoo's service area, the development will house a procedure room, operating theatre and office for surgeons and other staff. These rooms will be linked by a double-height covered access area to indoor and outdoor animal-holding facilities.

A two-storey building will contain food and fodder areas, with a kitchen and shop at ground floor and a record archive on the first floor. The horticultural compound will include a greenhouse and another two-storey building, which will house a hay store.

The new horticultural facility could allow the zoo to be marketed as an important hub for plant life.

"Plants are extremely important in Dublin Zoo so that we can give our animals habitats that are naturalistic," said horticulture curator Stephen Butler. "Plants also help us to immerse our visitors into the animal's world."

Dublin Zoo, established in 1830, is now one of the oldest in the world. In 1994, the Government approved a €19m, 10-year plan for the zoo.

As part of its expansion, the African Plains enclosure opened in June 2000. The new area allows animals of African origin to roam more freely, while visitors are protected by fencing.

The OPW has so far provided €2.2m towards the costs of projects at the zoo this year, including the new African Savannah exhibition.

The gorillas will have to wait longer for their new home -- a planned 'rainforest' looks set to be delayed by cutbacks.

A five-year budget for the zoo, which provided €4m a year towards the cost of various projects, kicked off in 2005. This budget is under review.

"There is no doubt the zoo's budget will be cut," said Leo Oosterweghel, the director of Dublin Zoo. "We were planning a wonderful rainforest project for our gorillas. We had hoped to start building it this September and have it ready for next spring. We may have to delay that project now."

Mr Oosterweghel said the zoo may try to raise money through sponsorship.

hnews@herald.ie

- Caitlin McBride and Andrew Phelan