Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)

I thank the Minister for his comprehensive reply and associate myself with his remarks about the Aga Khan and the three owners. I attended the Moyglare dinner at the K Club at which the Minister stated he was looking for others to do as those owners did and get behind the project. This gives rise to concern that some aspects of the industry are not fully supportive of the development at the Curragh. I asked the question to find out whether the Minister's remarks were a general overview of the position aimed at getting everyone who could support the Curragh in their own way to do so, although they may not have offered financial support like the three owners. It is the flagship of the flat racing world and certainly generates huge revenue for Kildare and the counties in its catchment area during the flat season. I asked the question to see whether it was a general overview to get people involved who could take on other aspects of the development and sponsor or fund it as the three owners have done in respect of the new road. This road, which is nearing completion, will certainly be very significant for safety and the transport of horses on the Curragh and will allow the development to take place. Did the Minister believe there was someone who could add further to the development at the Curragh?

Are there other sporting events or aspects of sport which could be catered for at the Curragh? I know that, at one stage, the late Michael Osborne, God rest him, proposed that a project concerning national hunt racing could be undertaken. I do not think this developed into anything. Does the Minister have a view on this?

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