Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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298. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the closure of Harold's Cross greyhound stadium; the action proposed or required to facilitate early reopening, in view of the concern expressed throughout the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12718/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Bord na gCon is a commercial state body, established in 1958 under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958, chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. Bord na gCon is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The operation of greyhound stadia is a matter for Bord na gCon.

As I have stated in previous replies, the Indecon Report, 'Review of Certain Matters Relating to Bord na gCon' identified a number of assets to be disposed of by Bord na gCon's to reduce its level of debt, among these was Harold's Cross Stadium. In the context of the Indecon Report, Bord na gCon has already disposed of the old Henry Street Head Office in Limerick.

On 13 February 2016  the Board of Bord na gCon took the decision to cease greyhound racing in Harold's Cross, with a view to initiating a sales strategy. I understand from Bord na gCon that this was a very difficult decision. While this development is very regrettable, Bord na gCon's opinion, which is in agreement with the recommendations in the Indecon report, is that there is no other option if the burden of debt on the organisation is to be reduced in any meaningful way. I understand that its intention is to transfer the Harold's Cross racing schedule to Shelbourne Park Stadium, a few kilometres away, and that all 12 staff at Harold's Cross Stadium will be offered redeployment.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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299. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action taken to date to address the issues arising from the closure of Harold's Cross greyhound stadium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12719/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Bord na gCon is a commercial State body, established in 1958, under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958, chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. In that context, it runs commercial operations in a number of greyhound stadia, including Harold's Cross. The operation of those stadia is a matter for Bord na gCon.

The Indecon report, commissioned by this Department, recommended an asset disposal strategy be undertaken by Bord na gCon. The purpose was to achieve a meaningful and immediate debt reduction. Harold’s Cross was one of the assets identified for disposal by Indecon. Part of the rationale was its proximity to Shelbourne Park.

I understand from Bord na gCon that while the decision to close Harold’s Cross was taken with regret, its view is that the interests of the sector as a whole are best served by concentrating Dublin racing activities in its national stadium, Shelbourne Park, which is located approximately two miles from Harold’s Cross. Shelbourne Park is located a few kilometres from Harold's Cross, with a bigger venue, and I am advised by Bord na gCon on the dates that Harold’s Cross is open for business Shelbourne Park has remained closed, and vice versa.

Bord na gCon has stated that all 12 staff affected at Harold’s Cross will be offered redeployment by Bord na gCon.

Under the Code of Practice for the Governance of state bodies the approval of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform is required in advance of any material disposal of land, buildings or other material assets. I will consider any specific proposal for the sale of Harold's Cross in due course, taking into account the need to  develop the sector as a whole, the recommendations of the Indecon Report and value for money considerations.