HRI Approves Capital Grants for Naas, Fairyhouse and Galway Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) has approved grant aid totalling ?2.664 million for capital development works at Naas, Fairyhouse and Galway Racecourses to be carried out at the three racecourses later this year. The new works approved at Naas Racecourse centre around the creation of a new stable block and linked ancillary services at a total cost of ?3.382m for which HRI has approved Grant Aid to a level of ?1.634m. The Naas stable yard development consists of:- ? Demolition of 99 existing Stables (79 in main area and 20 in overflow building) ? Construction of 150 new Stables (including 6 overnight Stables) ? Construction of 4 Stores and 8 new Wash Bays ? Construction of Security and Stable Manager?s Offices ? Site Services, Yard and Car Park Surfacing ? New Boundary Wall and Entrance for Horse Boxes Planning Permission for this project is currently being sought by Naas Racecourse from Kildare County Council, with a decision expected by the end of May 2008. Assuming a positive outcome, the new stable yard development will then commence in August to finish by November. The works will be executed while racing continues with temporary stabling facilities being provided for meetings during the interim period. Commenting on the grant approval from HRI, Tom Ryan, Naas Racecourse Manager said: ?We are delighted to be replacing our current antiquated stables with a completely new stable block that will provide 50% additional capacity. This is a vital development for Naas given our ability to accommodate large field sizes including during the winter months and with the likelihood that we will be significantly expanding our fixture list in years to come to take advantage of our greatly widened track?. Fairyhouse is ready to begin the first phase of its overall redevelopment plan, comprising the creation of an impressive main entrance including new gates, piers and railings. The internal roadways leading from the main entrance will also be significantly upgraded with the creation of four distinct lanes, one to cater specifically for horse boxes and the remaining three to accommodate general traffic. Drainage works will be carried out to the car parks and additional hard core spine roads will be constructed. The turnstile building will be significantly improved, with the antiquated turnstiles replaced by more user friendly models, while both the medical and storage facilities will also be enhanced. The total project cost is ?1.779 million, of which HRI will provide grant aid of ?914k. Work will commence this summer and be completed by the end of October 2008. Commenting on the current development plan, Fairyhouse Racecourse Manager, Caroline Gray said: ?We are very conscious of the need to create a sense of arrival at Fairyhouse Racecourse and to smarten up our external boundaries given the ever increasing amount of traffic that passes the racecourse. Additionally, the new entrance and linked internal roadways will facilitate faster access and egress to and from the racecourse, while the car park drainage work should ensure firmer underfoot conditions for out patrons in future?. Galway has received a grant of ?116k from HRI towards the ?210k cost of purchasing a permanent watering system that can water the racecourse in the fastest possible time. The purchase of a Briggs Irrigation system will ensure an even spread of water over the entire racecourse and prevent the previous compaction caused by tractors when watering. Welcoming the grant from HRI, John Moloney, Galway Manager, explained the decision to install the new watering system for this year?s Summer Festival: ?The Galway Race Committee considers it an absolute priority that our ground is a perfect racing surface at all times so as to ensure the safety of horses and riders and to allow us to attract the best possible fields both in terms of quality and quantity?. Brian Kavanagh, Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland, commented: ?HRI is pleased to provide grant aid of ?2.664 million towards these three specific projects, designed to enhance the racing product, provide first class facilities for those working in the industry and enhance the customer experience by significantly improving the level of comfort for racegoers. HRI will continue to drive forward and provide financial support for the development of racecourse facilities throughout the country.?
