SERIOUS QUESTIONS FOR IGB ON STADIUM SALE
Commenting on the news tonight that the Irish Greyhound Board (Bord na gCon) has reached agreement with the Department of Education on the sale of Harold’s Cross greyhound stadium, Labour TD for Tipperary Alan Kelly had said the board has serious questions to answer.
Deputy Kelly said:
“The Irish Grehound Board, tasked with developing and protecting the industry, shut down their most profitable stadium and have now sold it in a secret agreement.
“The industry is being run into the ground and the sale raises serious questions about the use taxpayers money.
“The Board could have pursued a sale of a portion of the site and still kept the stadium open.
“The stakeholders in the industry – those who race dogs – have decried their destructive management of the stadiums in Dublin.
“Throughout this process the owners, trainers and breeders have been treated atrociously and none of their concerns taken on board.
“The IGB also pursued a sale without seeking a change to the zoning of the land.
“It’s incredible that a state body has sold such an important site and recreational amenity without a full public tender.
“The actions of the Board over recent months call into question the competency of the board. Having practically destroyed the industry in Dublin it’s now time for them to consider their position and I repeat my call for them to go.”