Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Bord na gCon is a commercial State body, established in 1958 under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and improve and develop the greyhound industry. Greyhound racing is a traditional industry that plays an integral role in rural society and the economy. Successive Governments have recognised the importance of both the greyhound and horse racing industries for our country and have supported them through legislation and policy initiatives down through the years.

In 2010 a report by Jim Power Economics, commissioned by  Bord na gCon, estimated that the greyhound racing industry was responsible for sustaining in excess of 10,000 full and part-time jobs directly and indirectly, many in rural communities, and injected an estimated €500 million into local economies. The greyhound breeding industry is very export orientated, with over 75% of greyhounds now running in the UK being Irish bred.

Since 2002, well in excess of 10 million people have attended greyhound racing meetings. Annual attendances at greyhound race meetings have declined over the course of the recession. Greyhound racing was not immune from the impact of the downturn and, in particular, the reduction in consumer disposable income, emigration and the collapse in the construction industry. Over the period of the recession, Government support for the industry was reduced significantly, which coincided with the effects of the economic downturn.

Bord na gCon has informed me that consumers and fans of greyhound racing are now consuming the sport differently. With the growth in social media and online distribution of racing generally, audience engagement is expanding. The board states attendance at greyhound stadia has stabilised in more recent times and saw an increase of 1% in 2016.

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