Horse Racing Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 February 2021

Wednesday, 17 February 2021

Ceisteanna (994)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

994. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which assistance will be given to Horse Sport Ireland which may be in a position to locate its headquarters (details supplied); if negotiations have taken place or are in the course thereof to assist the organisation with relocation which would be of major benefit to the horse sport industry and its future development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7970/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The location of the headquarters of the HSI is a matter for its Board. The HSI has examined a number of sites, as a location for its Headquarters and National Centre of Excellence, as part of a selection process carried out by a sub-committee of the Board.

HSI advise 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. The sub-committee examined options not involving state funding.

My Department does not provide capital funding to the HSI.