Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 November 2016
417. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total overall amount of Exchequer money paid to Galway racecourse in the years 2006 to 2016; the amounts paid for each of the individual years of 2006 to 2016 to date, allocated by HRI to Galway racecourse by way of grant aid and or by any other form of aid or grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33362/16]
View answerHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for HRI. However, I have made inquiries on the matter. Galway racecourse makes a significant economic contribution to the region and I understand that the Galway Festival alone is estimated to be worth approximately €54 million annually to the local economy. Approximately €11.6 million in grants were paid to Galway Racecourse over the 10 years 2006 to 2016. This includes grants paid under capital schemes and marketing schemes.
