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Semi-State Bodies

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 March 2019

Tuesday, 26 March 2019

Questions (948)

Alan Kelly

Question:

948. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a copy of all sales and marketing strategies by an organisation (details supplied) from 2013 to date in 2019 will be provided; if he is satisfied that all the actions in the strategies have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12738/19]

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Written answers

Bord na gCon is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry.  Bord na gCon is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

I understand Marketing Plans are complied annually by Bord na gCon but that these plans are not published. Bord na gCon prepared its Strategic Plan for 2018-2022 and this was published in March 2018. The Plan contains actions relating to the sales and marketing functions. A specific Sales and Marketing Strategy 2019-2021 is at an advanced stage of preparation.

During 2018, Bord na gCon restructured its sales function to significantly enhance the outward sales focus. Full-time Business Development Executives are now in place in respect of the following stadia – Shelbourne Park, Limerick, Cork, Waterford and Galway. There is also a Sales, Commercial and Operations Manager in place at Shelbourne Park and Tralee stadium. These roles support, and are supported by, the Sales & Reservation Centre located at Thurles Technology Park.

As part of regular liaison meetings between my Department and Bord na gCon, the Department is updated on the commercial performance of the company and the implementation of their strategic plan.  Good progress has been made in many areas. It should also be noted that plans and strategies, by their nature, need to adapt to specific circumstances and commercial needs at individual locations. This can involve refocus of marketing and sales effort as any given year progresses to reflect market changes or altered priorities.

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