Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Has Bord na gCon put procedures in place? I am mindful of the people on the board and of the work people do on boards. At the same time we are challenged with putting the questions. This applies whether I am a Deputy for Limerick city or otherwise. I acknowledge the fantastic facility that is there, the employment Bord na gCon provides and the fantastic work it does. Nevertheless we must ensure things are different in future. In hindsight, there should have been a procedure.

Let us consider Markets Field. Either Limerick City Council was going to provide rezoning or it was not. Then we should consider where the best site was strategically. Greenpark was clearly identified initially as the best site. A racecourse had been there previously in the heart of the city. The site was associated with sport and people recognised it. The racetrack had gone to a big facility at Greenpark but that represented a loss to the amenities in the city. Therefore, it would have made more sense to pursue the Greenpark site. Did the board go to the Department at the time? Did the Department indicate it would not sanction such a site? Can the Department comment on the matter? Does that ring a bell? Were impediments put in the way to pursue the Greenpark site at the time?