Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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1617. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action taken regarding the Irish Greyhound Board issuing an interest free loan to the private operators of a racetrack (details supplied); the amount loaned; the amount paid back to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27178/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Bord na gCon (BnG) has statutory responsibility under the Greyhound Industry Acts 1958 and 1993 for the control, development and improvement of the greyhound racing industry.

The issue to which the Deputy refers is an operational matter for BnG. That organisation is specifically empowered under Section 16(1) of the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958, to provide loans for the 'improvement of greyhound race tracks, authorised coursing grounds and the amenities thereof' and for 'any other purpose conducive to the improvement and development of the industry.

I am informed by BnG that financial support in the form of a trading facility was made available to Davis Road Greyhound Stadium plc (DRGS) to assist the management of DRGS in finalising the project towards the construction of a new grand stand along with improvement of racing facilities including adherence to Health and Safety standards.  DRGS is a private trading company with transactions between this company and BnG being subject to matters of commercial sensitivity.

Clonmel has a long established tradition of hosting racing on a Sunday night which is a very valuable asset to the Greyhound Industry in light of the plans for the further commercialisation of Irish Greyhound Racing.  Additionally Clonmel has a reputation of breeding top quality greyhounds therefore it was deemed appropriate to support the wider industry in this area. 

The facility referred to is part of the continuing trading relationship between BnG and DRGS with all commitments being honoured in full to date by DRGS.