IGB welcomes HRX sale approval

Irish Greyhound Board welcomes the approval for the sale of Harold’s Cross stadium

The Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) has today (Thursday 1 June) welcomed the consent of Minister Creed at the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine and Minister Donohoe at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for the purchase of the Harold’s Cross stadium by the Department of Education & Skills, subject to the terms agreed.

Welcoming the approval of the agreed purchase terms, interim CEO of the IGB Dr Sean Brady said, “the sale will open a new chapter of opportunity for all involved in the Irish greyhound industry. The IGB will now be in a position, once the sale and purchase has been completed, to progress debt-free with a robust business plan to invest in rebuilding our industry so as to bring new incentive and growth to the sector.”

Broadly speaking, Dr Brady said, “From the proceeds of sale when completed, the IGB will be in a position to finance planned investment to add value for both greyhound owners and trainers and to enhance the enjoyment experience that greyhound racing provides. This will see necessary investment in stadia, additional promotional and prize money incentives, the implementation of better regulation and welfare programmes and the generation of enhanced customer experience from the greyhound racing sport and entertainment perspective.”

Anticipating the new opportunity that debt-free operation will bring, he added,

“I encourage stakeholders to engage with us, to ensure the future viability of Shelbourne Park with the urgent return of live racing in Dublin. A successful Shelbourne Park is fundamental to the future viability of the greyhound industry and the development of a business plan to chart its viability and sustainability.”