RÁSÍOCHT CON ÉIREANN APPROVES FUTURE DEVELOPMENT PLANS
The Board of Rásaíocht Con Éireann (Greyhound Racing Ireland) has this week approved future plans for the enhancement and improvement of facilities at Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium.
The enhancement project will significantly improve the overall customer experience at the venue with a modern, well laid out design that will accommodate new areas of activity to complement the sport of greyhound racing and further improve financial sustainability. Phase 1 of the plan will involve a re-vamp of ground floor accommodation at the stadium to provide for a full upgrade of existing facilities and the addition of new facilities at the site.
Frank Nyhan, Chairman of Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ), stated “Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium has iconic status within the world of greyhound racing and is known internationally as being the home of Irish greyhound racing. RCÉ has been progressing ongoing improvements at Shelbourne Park including upgrades to the track surface as well as general improvements in the interior and exterior of the premises. The Board of RCÉ has now agreed an overall development approach for the stadium. Implementation of the plans will further modernise facilities at Shelbourne Park for the greyhound community and patrons attending the stadium. RCÉ is committed to ensuring our flagship stadium reflects its status within the sport of greyhound racing, nationally and internationally”.
Funding for the proposals is provided as part of the surplus proceeds from the 2018 sale of Harold’s Cross greyhound stadium which was earmarked for the improvement of infrastructure and facilities throughout the stadia network. This funding of €2.3M together with other funding streams will support the ongoing delivery of the Shelbourne Park plan on a phased basis.
Gerard Dollard, CEO, RCÉ commented “The Board has also agreed to explore the potential for leasing underutilised parts of the site and for a possible relocation of the kennel block facility to the stadium side of the development. This will ensure that patrons attending at Shelbourne Park would see first-hand the care and attention being given to racing greyhounds and readily appreciate the stature and beauty of these wonderful animals.”
RCÉ will shortly seek expressions of interest for a design partnership for the project and undertake further procurement processes in relation to other elements planned for the site.
