Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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509. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he and or his officials have met with the Irish Greyhound Board and the Dublin GOBA regarding the disposal of the Harold's Cross track; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8067/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Bord na gCon has statutory responsibility for the development of the greyhound racing industry. 

In 2014 my Department commissioned Indecon Consultants to produce an independent report into certain matters relating to Bord na gCon, including its financial performance and prospects. That report recommended a number of asset disposals, including Harold’s Cross, in order to reduce the substantial debt burden effecting Bord Na gCon. The Board of Bord Na gCon recently agreed that greyhound racing should cease at Harold's Cross and the sale of the stadium should be initiated.

The disposal strategy for the Harold's Cross stadium was on the agenda for liaison meetings held between officials from my Department and BNG in 2016 (May and November) and December 2015. Also my Department met with Dublin GOBA in July 2016 where the subject was discussed.