Navan Gets Green Light For Development

Navan Racecourse is set to launch a E250,000 upgrade following the approval of a Horse Racing Ireland capital development grant of over E100,000.

The work will be carried out between now and 2018 with a series of improvements to racegoers' facilities.

The most significant element of the redevelopment project involves improving the entrance to the car park by removing the roadside growth, creating a new bank set back off the road and extending the existing railing. This will improve visibility, allowing cars to exit safely and will also add to the aesthetic dimension of the approach to the Co. Meath racecourse.

Other works include extending the ambulance road at the front of the stand, a considerable renovation of the Tote Hall and customer focused improvements to the main canopy, adding heaters, extra panelling and a screen to reduce the wind tunnel effect. The Kilberry self-service restaurant will also undergo a significant refurbishment as will the Troytown bar.

One of the immediate customer driven improvements to be progressed in the short term is the installation of seating all along the perimeter of the parade ring.

Brian Kavanagh, CEO of HRI: "The quarter of a million euro redevelopment that will be carried out at Navan Racecourse is almost solely focused on improving the customer facilities, which is the essence of what the HRI Racecourse Capital Development Fund is about. In particular, the safety measures and enhancements to the approach to the racecourse entrance will make a huge difference."

All 26 racecourses in Ireland are eligible to apply for funding under this scheme with HRI providing 40% of the cost of approved projects. It is estimated that the entire Racecourse Capital Development Fund will support in the region of 1300 direct and indirect jobs during the course of its completion.

Peter Killeen, Navan Racecourse Manager: "We're excited to get started straight away to make necessary improvements that will benefit all of our loyal customers. Encouraging new racegoers to Navan is one of our top priorities. We want to make sure that the people of Meath and the surrounding counties are aware that Navan Racecourse is on their doorstep with everything they need for a great day out. The project will start immediately, providing 10-12 jobs over the course of the work."