Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Neilan, Mr. Meaney and the team for being here today. At the outset I should make it clear that those who are asking questions and holding the board to account are not against rural jobs, a stadium in Limerick or positive developments in the greyhound industry. Everybody appreciates the importance of such industries to the Irish economy and communities. We are asking the question to protect the taxpayers' interests and the industry. We do not want a "don't hit me with the baby in my hands" sort of attitude.

I will begin with the Limerick track and stadium before moving to other issues. I accept that the witnesses are not responsible for the Meelick site and neither the chairman nor the chief executive were in office at that stage. I will take it as read that it was a disaster that should not have happened, and it has been dealt with at previous meetings. With regard to the Greenpark site, we know that as far back as 2003 there was a major issue of fill, although this relates to a different part of the site. We know the valuer indicated that should the extent and cost of the fill run to €1.5 million or more, warning bells would begin to sound. We will take that as read. We know that what with the messing around with Meelick and the ensuing disaster, in 2008 the board returned to the Greenpark site and bought a smaller portion of the land. This is where we get to the gentleman's agreement. I listened to the exchange with Deputy Nolan. These are questions rather than assertions, so the witnesses may correct me if I am wrong. I have been told that on 22 November 2007, the engineers, Atkins, indicated in writing with regard to the filling commitment that the purchase included both the existing site and what lies within and beneath the site. However, it also included works upon the site and through the site to be undertaken in advance of its taking position. It was noted that it was important that those works be properly specified in the contract, with a mechanism for certification and acceptance prior to handover. Is that correct?