HRI approves racecourse development grants

Capital Development Grants of almost €3 million have been announced in the first set of approvals under the new €100 million Racecourse Capital Development scheme announced at the end of 2014 by Horse Racing Ireland (HRI).

Leopardstown, Ballinrobe, Killarney and Tipperary are the first racecourses to have projects approved for commencement in 2015. They will spend over €7 million on improvements for all users of the racecourse facilities.

All 26 Irish racecourses are eligible to apply for funding under this scheme with HRI providing 40 per cent of the cost of approved projects.

Leopardstown's development will start immediately, with upgrades to all the bars, restaurants and toilets on the second floor, along with Fillies bar and restaurant at ground level.

There will also be improvements to the corporate suites and grandstand steps, with new stairways, escalators and lifts to improve access. Projects with a cost of approximately €5 million will receive grant aid of €2 million. This is the first phase of a total Leopardstown redevelopment spend of €19 million.

In Mayo, Ballinrobe Racecourse has plans in place for a €500,000 racecourse capital development scheme which will receive grant aid of €200,000. The project will see the renovation of the existing stable yard, a new main entrance to the racecourse, a new playground, machinery shed and balcony extension. Works will begin immediately.

Killarney Racecourse, in County Kerry, with a total estimated project cost of over €850,000, was approved for grant aid of €340,000. Their five-year-plan, which will commence this year, includes improvements to the Maurice O'Donoghue stand, parade ring, viewing area, stable yard, ambulance road, the owners and trainers' area, a new physiotherapy unit, jockeys facilities and lighting for the driveway and enclosure areas.

Also in Munster, Tipperary Racecourse has plans for a projected spend of over €700,000 over five years, approved for grant aid of €280,000. The main project will be the refurbishment of the Tipperary Stand at a cost of €375,000, the first phase of which will begin this year. Other works include improvements to the parade ring, ambulance road, stable yard, car park, canteen and weigh room.

Brian Kavanagh, CEO of HRI said: "HRI has received a very positive response from racecourses to the new Capital Development Fund. This Fund has been made possible by the additional funding supplied by the Government in last year's budget and the commitment for further increases in funding for the next two years.

"The approved projects will provide construction work and employment spread right throughout the country, further emphasising the vital role of racecourses as contributors to their local economies. The four racecourses being announced today have come up with exciting schemes that will significantly improve facilities on offer to their customers."