Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 February 2021
334. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline Horse Sport Ireland’s obligation to engage with affiliates in respect of proposals to move location (details supplied); if he has received a notice from Horse Sport Ireland to relocate; and if the processes that led to the decision being taken by its board to relocate will be provided. [9361/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraHSI is a company limited by guarantee that operates independently of my department. I am advised that its Board 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. The final decision on a site is a matter for the Board of HSI.
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 also advises that it has 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 additional state funding.
HSI indicated that it has engaged with all Olympic and Paraplegic discipline affiliates on the Greenogue proposal; Showjumping Ireland, Eventing Ireland, Dressage Ireland and Paraequestrian Ireland. They indicate also that have met with their equestrian sport and recreation affiliates ranging from the Association of Irish Riding Clubs, Riding Establishments, Mounted Games, Endurance, Irish Quarter Horse Association, Irish Pony Club, Irish Pony Society, TREC Ireland, Riding for the Disabled and Irish Shows Association to discuss the matter. These affiliates bodies encapsulate circa 30,000 participants in Ireland.
