Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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178. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the person or organisation that holds title to the lands comprising Dundalk racecourse. [41356/18]

Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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179. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his sanction was sought and given prior to Horse Racing Ireland extending a loan to Dundalk stadium management to fund the redevelopment of Dundalk stadium; and if evidence of title over the lands involved was sought and received by Horse Racing Ireland prior to this loan being extended. [41357/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 179 together.

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial State Body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.

This matter dates back to 2006 when Horse Racing Ireland were under the aegis of the Department of Sport. It is an operational matter for HRI, and the sanction of the Minister is not required for normal capital investment grants.

I have made enquires and HRI has informed me that in relation to grant funding applications by Dundalk Racecourse, a Certificate of Title was previously provided to their solicitors confirming good and marketable title to the property held by Dundalk Race Company Limited. This is underpinned by a Deed dated 16th day of August 1920 and made in favour of Dundalk Race Company Limited.

A racecourse capital development grant was provided to Dundalk Racecourse in relation to the development of their facilities (with matching funding provided by other parties). As part of this grant, HRI sought and was provided a shareholding in Dundalk Racecourse which broadly matches the term of the grant. No loan was provided by HRI.