Horse Sport Ireland

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 February 2021

Wednesday, 24 February 2021

Questions (263)

John McGuinness

Question:

263. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she is satisfied that the proposal by Horse Sport Ireland to sign a 35-year lease on a property at Greenogue, County Dublin, has met all requirements on procurement; if she has been briefed on the proposal; if the approval of her Department is required for such a development; the consultation that has taken place with the stakeholders; if their approval has been sought; if a business case for the proposal has been sought by her Department; if so, if such a case has already been made; if due diligence has been carried out on the site relative to the existing planning permission and the future development of the site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9790/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

National Governing Bodies of Sport such as Horse Sport Ireland are independent, autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own operational arrangements and procedures for their sports. The decision by Horse Sport Ireland regarding the relocation of its premises is entirely a matter for Horse Sport Ireland.

While I am aware of the decision by Horse Sport Ireland to relocate to a property at Greenogue, I have no role in relation to the decision to relocate or the procurement and consultation processes involved nor is my approval required.

I understand that both the Minister and Minister of State for Agriculture, Food and the Marine have engaged with Horse Sport Ireland on this matter.