Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 229: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the discussions he has had with or representations he has received from the proposers or HRI in regard to a proposal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17085/05]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act of 2001, Horse Racing Ireland, HRI, was established as the statutory body with responsibility for the horseracing industry. The general functions of HRI include the development and promotion of the Irish horse racing industry, including the development of authorised racecourses and the making of grants, loans and other disbursements to authorised racecourses.

In November 2004, the board of HRI considered the question of an all-weather track. The board concluded that Dundalk was the only location with the potential for the development of such a track within a realistic timeframe and being in a position to meet other requirements of HRI, including ownership of a suitable site and having the necessary local funding available. The board also considered the proposal referred to by the Deputy and I recently had a discussion with the proposers concerned on the matter. I consider that it would not be appropriate to include the proposal for an all-weather racecourse in phase one of the campus project, which is under consideration and will shortly be presented to the Government. Proposals for further phases of the development of sports facilities at Abbotstown would not leave an appropriate space on which to develop an all-weather racecourse.

I hope to present to Government shortly proposals based on the development control plan for the sports campus at Abbotstown.