Chris Andrews (Dublin Bay South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Shelbourne Park greyhound track is in the heart of the inner city, not too far from here, between the Ringsend and South Lotts communities. Both these communities, along with communities right across the island of Ireland, have a deep sense of connection with the Shelbourne Park greyhound stadium. The cohesion and engagement between the stadium and the local community have been eroding in recent years. While Shelbourne Park is best known now for greyhound racing, it is less known that it was probably one of the first multisport facilities in the State. Along with greyhound racing, it has hosted Shels football club as its home ground. It was twice the venue for FAI Cup finals. In the seventies speedway racing was staged there. It was a multisport facility. There was a variety of entertainment at Shelbourne Park for the whole community.

In recent decades, however, this has slipped away. This brilliant stadium, situated in the heart of the city, has failed to reach its potential. Racing only takes place there three nights a week. What is happening in Shelbourne Park can be contrasted with what has happened in the greyhound stadium in Galway. That stadium is now the home of Connacht Rugby. It is a vibrant facility that provides a mix of sporting interests. It is clear that multisport facilities are highly cost-effective, providing a great return on capital investment and a big return for the local community.

Work is soon to begin on the redevelopment of Shelbourne Park. There has not really been an effort to fully utilise this facility's potential. It has huge potential. It could host a number of different sports but that commitment has to be made, supported and resourced by Government. With this development, there is talk of the stand being upgraded to a seven-day conference and meeting facility. I believe this is a missed opportunity. Community benefit should be an integral part of any redevelopment plans. Shelbourne Park has great potential to be a recreational asset to the people of all of Dublin. We must ensure this site is protected and utilised to its full potential for the community. There is growing concern in the local community that it could be lost completely.

As the Minister of State knows, that site has a split ownership. The stand is owned by the greyhound community and the track is owned by a private entity. The track is under a 99-year lease from that private entity. There have been attempts by the owners of the track to have the land rezoned for housing, which clearly shows the mindset of those owning the land. That is a huge concern for the local community. It shows that there is an intent to redevelop that site for housing or offices. With the housing development at the Irish Glass Bottle site, Ringsend, South Lotts and Pearse Street cannot afford to lost this sports facility. It is important we protect it.

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