Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) is a company limited by guarantee. It is not a State Body established by legislation and it is operationally independent of my Department.
I am advised that a selection process to decide on a site and location for its new Headquarters and Centre of Excellence was carried out by a sub-committee of the Board. I am aware that HSI envisages that the centre will provide a world class environment for the production of horses, provision of equine services, industry training and promotion. HSI has had the objective of having a defined headquarters, national training and breeding centre since its inception.
HSI advises that the work of the sub-committee has been ongoing for two years and has involved the consideration of many different locations. It engaged with a range of potential sites and hired a property valuer and advisor to review property and land offerings as well as availability of property to purchase, rent or develop.
HSI appointed an independent consultant to carry out a detailed feasibility study in this regard, following a competitive request for tender. Informed by this report, it is a decision for the Board of HSI regarding the new site and venue for its Headquarters and Centre of Excellence. I do not consider it appropriate for me to comment on any particular geographical location.