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Gnáthamharc

Horse Racing Industry.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 November 2004

Tuesday, 9 November 2004

Ceisteanna (169)

Jack Wall

Ceist:

226 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the meetings he has had with Horse Racing Ireland regarding the provision of all weather horseracing track; the funding that is necessary for such a proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27913/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Minister with responsibility for the horse racing industry, I meet the chairman and executives of Horse Racing Ireland on a regular basis, as do officials from my Department. Regular liaison meetings with HRI are held at various stages throughout the year. All policy issues are discussed at these meetings, including HRI's capital develop programme, which includes the proposal to develop an all weather track.

Under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act of 2001, HRI was established as the statutory body with responsibility for the horse racing industry. The general functions of HRI include the development and promotion of the Irish horse racing industry including the development of authorised racecourses and the making of grants, loans and other disbursements to authorised racecourses.

As outlined in their strategic plan for 2003-07, HRI pointed out that there is a compelling case for the development of an all-weather facility. HRI also takes the view that commercial considerations must also be taken into account, and it will support the development of an all-weather track either at an existing track or on a green field site subject to the following conditions being met: proximity to a major urban area; ability to stage floodlit evening racing; a left-handed oval circuit of ten furlongs in circumference; constructed using the best available surface; a dual-purpose facility which can stage national hunt racing.

I have been informed by HRI that it is considering three proposals for such a development and HRI expects to finalise its consideration of the various issues shortly.

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