Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 March 2014
157. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has had any contact with his British counterpart on the future of the Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11067/14]
View answerI have not had any contact with my British counterpart on the future of the Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium as I understand that NAMA holds the loan advanced to the owners of the stadium. NAMA has indicated to the planning authorities in London that it supports the Galliard led proposed development of the site involving Wimbledon AFC. Furthermore I am informed that approaches have been made to NAMA by other developers in relation to the site of Wimbledon Greyhound stadium and that these alternative propositions have been considered by NAMA but they are not being progressed.
You will be aware that NAMA has been established as a fully commercial agency to operate under the direction of a Board of Directors by the NAMA Act. The sale of property is a matter for the board of NAMA which is guided by its independent commercial mandate under the NAMA Act and the overriding requirement to maximise the realised value of assets securing its loans and the return to the Irish taxpayer.
I am mindful that Section 221 of the NAMA Act, makes it an offence to communicate with NAMA with the intention of influencing the making of a decision in relation to the performance of its functions.
I understand that the number of greyhound tracks in London has been reducing over the years and that Wimbledon, the last remaining track in the greater London area, now looks set to close. I am aware that Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium is a very important element of the British greyhound racing infrastructure as it serves a large population with a high disposable income.
While I appreciate that Britain is a very important outlet for Irish greyhounds and that in excess of 70% of greyhounds racing there are bred in Ireland, it would be inappropriate for me to become involved in a matter which is within the remit of NAMA.
