Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Apr 2000

Vol. 517 No. 4

Written Answers. - Coursing Events.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

156 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Ballybeggan Park, Tralee, the Irish Cup three day venue was only 80 yards wide rather than the required 400 yards long and 150 yards wide and that the two day Tipperary meeting at Limerick Junction was also in breach of Irish Coursing Club's regulations; and the action, if any, he will take to ensure the rules are upheld in future. [10105/00]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 69 of 22 March 2000 on the same subject.

The Irish Coursing Club has stated that the park dimensions referred to in its rules are recommendations, the sites were subject to pre-inspection and considered satisfactory and there was no breach of the rules. I am satisfied that adequate procedures are in place to ensure that coursing is run on a proper basis.