HRI Approves Ballinrobe And Killarney Developments The Board of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) has approved grant aid for Ballinrobe and Killarney Racecourses for additional development work to be carried out in 2007/2008. The new works approved at Ballinrobe consist of a significant track extension, which will see the addition of a second back straight comprising some 4? furlongs, and a new gateway and racecourse entrance off the main Ballinrobe to Castlebar road. The overall Ballinrobe development plan, including the already completed weighroom building, will cost in the region of ?3.4 million, of which grant aid of ?1.9 million will be provided by HRI. Commenting on the current development plan, Ballinrobe Manager, John Flannelly said:- 'Ballinrobe Racecourse is delighted that HRI has approved additional funding for our development programme. The developments that have taken place over the past number of years at the racecourse have greatly improved facilities for racegoers, jockeys, stable staff and all involved in the racing industry. This additional funding will be an enormous help and will allow us to develop the sense of arrival at Ballinrobe by creating a proper entrance to the track, while the addition of a second back straight will provide the racecourse with much needed additional racing ground. We look forward to working with HRI on this project over the coming months'. Killarney is ready to begin phase two of its overall redevelopment plan which will bring the total spend to ?3.3 million with grant aid of ?1.9 million from HRI. The first phase saw the opening of a new weighroom and overhead corporate facility in 2006, and phase two will see further improvements to this very popular corporate area with the addition of air conditioning and a significantly enhanced kitchen facility. The most significant development in phase two will be an entirely new front entrance building, incorporating offices for the racecourse, while there will also be improvements to both the Sponsors Lounge and the Maurice O'Donoghue stand. Commenting on the Killarney development plans, Racecourse Manager, John Looney said:- 'We are thrilled that the plans for Killarney have been endorsed by HRI. Killarney have made major improvements in the recent past and we are not finished yet. This latest grant, combined with our own funds will enable Killarney to take further positive steps to improving the facilities at our racetrack and enhancing our racegoers´ experience at the worlds most scenic racecourse'. Welcoming the new developments John O'Donoghue, TD, Minister for Arts, Sport & Tourism said:- 'The Government's commitment to funding of the Irish horse racing industry through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund has enabled this programme of capital development which will see in excess of ?250m invested in new and improved facilities throughout the country. The recent provision of ?70m under the new National Development Plan for the horse and greyhound racing industries will enable Horse Racing Ireland to undertake further long-term planning, which will result in the further development of a network of modern, well-managed facilities such as these latest initiatives at Ballinrobe and Killarney for which the racecourses are to be commended.' Horse Racing Ireland Chief Executive, Brian Kavanagh said:-'Ballinrobe and Killarney, hosting nine and eight fixtures respectively, have gone from strength to strength in recent years attracting new racegoers, sponsors and corporate hospitality guests. The first phase of development at each racecourse has been extremely well received by the racing industry and the general public and I am delighted that the Board has approved these additional works which will add greatly to the sporting and social infrastructure of each racecourse's local area.'
