John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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1066. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that the proposal by Horse Sport Ireland to sign a 35-year lease on a property at Greenogue, County Dublin has met all requirements on procurement; if he has been briefed on the proposal; if the approval of his Department is required for such a development; the consultation that has taken place with the stakeholders; if their approval has been sought; if a business case for the proposal has been sought by his Department; if so, if such a case has already been made; if due diligence has been carried out on the site relative to the existing planning permission and the future development of the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9762/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) is a company limited by guarantee. It is not a State Body established by legislation and it is operationally independent of my Department.

I have been briefed by Horse Sport Ireland that is considering re-locating to a new site as part of the establishment of a new headquarters and a national centre of excellence. It is envisaged that the centre will provide a world class environment for the production of horses, provision of equine services, industry training and promotion.

The Board of HSI set up a sub committee of the Board to carry out the selection process to decide on the site and venue. A detailed feasibility study for the centre was carried out. HSI appointed an independent consultant to carry out this study following a competitive request for tender. HSI advises that the work of the sub-committee has been ongoing for 2 years and has involved the consideration of many different locations. It engaged with a range of potential sites and hired a property valuer and adviser to review property and land offerings as well as availability of property to purchase, rent or develop.

The approval for such a development is for the Board of Horse Sport Ireland. Due diligence around planning permission and future development of the site are also a matter for the Board.

Regarding consultation with stakeholders, HSI indicates that it has engaged with all Olympic and Paraplegic discipline affiliates on the development / re-location proposal; Showjumping Ireland, Eventing Ireland, Dressage Ireland and Para-equestrian Ireland. It indicates that it has also met with its equestrian sport and recreation affiliates, ranging from the Association of Irish Riding Clubs, Riding Establishments, Mounted Games, Endurance, Irish Quarter Horse Association, Irish Pony Club, Irish Pony Society, TREC Ireland, Riding for the Disabled and Irish Shows Association to discuss the matter. These affiliates bodies encapsulate circa 30,000 participants in Ireland.

Regarding procurement, I am advised that the Procurement Directive and the European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulations 2016, do not apply to public service contracts for the acquisition or rental, by whatever financial means, of land, existing buildings or other immovable property. My Department has sought additional information in relation to this matter and is examining it at present.