A report from the Irish Greyhound Board (below) suggests that two of the tracks deemed surplus to requirements by the Indecon Report into the future of Irish greyhound racing, may have at least a short term reprieve.
Under the IGB sponsored plan, it was suggested that both Enniscorthy and Youghal had no viable futures. Two of the other tracks mentioned, Longford and Lifford have already closed. It now appears though as though the IGB are keeping their options open.
The IGB has received from Indecon the Independent Indecon assessment of Issues Arising on Consultation Submissions made on Indecon Strategic Review of Irish Greyhound Racing Stadia to Underpin a Viable Long-Term Sustainable Industry. This Indecon Report follows on from the open consultation process conducted by the Board when the original Indecon Report was published in December 2019. During the consultation phase, 48 submissions were received and all submissions have now been assessed by Indecon.
Indecon confirms the main conclusions and recommendations contained in its original report published in December 2019. Indecon points out that there are also new risks arising for the greyhound sector from the Corona virus pandemic which potentially impacts on the sector and should be taken into account.
The Indecon report on submissions presents three options to the Board of the IGB as follows:
- Implement proposed restructuring and other decisions recommended by Indecon (in its original report published in December 2019).
- Provide an opportunity to Enniscorthy and Youghal for a fixed period of time to address challenges/issues identified and for key performance measures to be set.
- Not implement the recommendations of the Indecon Report.
The Board has considered the additional report from Indecon and, given the current period of inactivity relating to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Board proposes to proceed with option 2 and offer a fixed period of time to Enniscorthy and Youghal to address challenges/issues identified in the overall report.
Contact has been made with Enniscorthy and Youghal tracks involved towards engagement with the IGB in relation to the approach agreed by the Board. It is in intended the matter will be further considered by the Board at its July 2020 meeting.
