Issued on behalf of Brian Cowen and Ivan Yates
Former Taoiseach, Brian Cowen and former Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Ivan Yates, have jointly called on the Dublin Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association (DGOBA) and the Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) to enter into mediated talks forthwith to resolve issues arising from the absence of greyhound racing in Dublin.In an intervention this morning, Mr Cowen and Mr Yates issued the following joint statement:
“We have watched the standoff between DGOBA and the Board with increasing concern in recent weeks. As people who have an interest in the wellbeing of the industry and understand its value, we are worried that the current dispute could inflict very serious damage on all industry stakeholders, including owners, trainers as well as the Board’s employees. As a matter of urgency, we appeal to both sides to sit down under the chairmanship of Kieran Mulvey to try to break the impasse. If there is goodwill on both sides, we believe that this can be achieved so that racing can be restarted in Dublin for the benefit of everyone involved in the industry.”
IGB Response to call for mediated talks to resolve Dublin Greyhound Industry Issues
Wednesday 8th March 2017
The Irish Greyhound Board notes the concerns expressed by Brian Cowen and Ivan Yates and appreciates their interest. The Board is extremely anxious to resolve the current difficulties and are willing to participate in discussions with the Dublin Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association, under the chairmanship of Kieran Mulvey, as suggested.
Further responses:
Jimmy O’Hanlon, Chairman of the DGOBA said: “We will definitely turn up. It is a worrying situation for the industry the way it is going. But we are firm in our stance and we want to see racing at Harold’s Cross”.Dr Sean Brady, Interim CEO of the IGB said: “The Irish Greyhound Board notes the concerns expressed by Brian Cowen and Ivan Yates and appreciates their interest. The Board is extremely anxious to resolve the current difficulties and are willing to participate in discussions with the Dublin Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association, under the chairmanship of Kieran Mulvey, as suggested”.
