Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 March 2017
299. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action taken to date to address the issues arising from the closure of Harold's Cross greyhound stadium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12719/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBord na gCon is a commercial State body, established in 1958, under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958, chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. In that context, it runs commercial operations in a number of greyhound stadia, including Harold's Cross. The operation of those stadia is a matter for Bord na gCon.
The Indecon report, commissioned by this Department, recommended an asset disposal strategy be undertaken by Bord na gCon. The purpose was to achieve a meaningful and immediate debt reduction. Harold’s Cross was one of the assets identified for disposal by Indecon. Part of the rationale was its proximity to Shelbourne Park.
I understand from Bord na gCon that while the decision to close Harold’s Cross was taken with regret, its view is that the interests of the sector as a whole are best served by concentrating Dublin racing activities in its national stadium, Shelbourne Park, which is located approximately two miles from Harold’s Cross. Shelbourne Park is located a few kilometres from Harold's Cross, with a bigger venue, and I am advised by Bord na gCon on the dates that Harold’s Cross is open for business Shelbourne Park has remained closed, and vice versa.
Bord na gCon has stated that all 12 staff affected at Harold’s Cross will be offered redeployment by Bord na gCon.
Under the Code of Practice for the Governance of state bodies the approval of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform is required in advance of any material disposal of land, buildings or other material assets. I will consider any specific proposal for the sale of Harold's Cross in due course, taking into account the need to develop the sector as a whole, the recommendations of the Indecon Report and value for money considerations.
