Leopardstown Plans Presented To Racegoers Forum Plans for the proposed new developments at Leopardstown Racecourse were presented to a public meeting of the Racegoers? Consultative Forum, hosted by Horse Racing Ireland in Dublin on 5th April 2005.The forum was chaired by Brian Gleeson and attended by Dublin race-goer representatives Ben Dorney and Alice Reeves-Smyth along with Leopardstown Racecourse Manager, Mr Matt O?Dwyer. Over 100 race-goers turned out to hear about the plans and voice their needs and expectations for the future of Leopardstown. Racegoers aired a broad number of suggestions, emphasising the need for adequate car parking, ease of access and attractive race programmes, including more National Hunt races. Other facilities highlighted for special attention were: seating areas; bar and food areas; an improved catering selection offering value for money; viewing facilities with enhanced CCTV displays and PA systems and upgraded members? facilities and services. A number of people proposed the abolition of the reserved enclosure and lower prices for selected meetings. Many people expressed satisfaction with Leopardstown, citing it as one of the most pleasant racecourses in the country which needed upgrading to bring it into line with modern requirements. Matt O?Dwyer, emphasised that the plans were aimed at building a Leopardstown complex which would service the needs of racegoers and other users well into the 21st century rather than being simply upgrade of the existing facility, which was almost forty years old in many areas.Matt O?Dwyer also stressed the importance of public input into the overall development: 'Our plan is to maintain what works at Leopardstown while improving the areas that don?t. The first phase of the development incorporating golf, driving range, stable yard, car parks and access roads is already underway and we hope to be in a position to seek planning permission for the final stages later this year.' Commenting on the meetings to date, HRI Marketing Director Michael O?Rourke said; 'This is one of the series of country-wide public meetings held by HRI and the Racegoers Consultative Forum. Our role is to take on board both the positive and negative viewpoints of the race-going public and to put into action the necessary changes and developments required. We are delighted to see such an excellent turn-out for Leopardstown and value all opinions raised.'
