CONCERNS over the future of one of the Southside’s iconic sporting grounds have arisen after it emerged that it is to be sold.
Cllr Chris Andrews (SF) said he echoed community concerns relating to the pro- posed sale of Harold’s Cross Greyhound Stadium.
“The proposal by Bord na gCon/Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) to sell Harold’s Cross stadium raises serious concerns for local residents which have not been addressed by the board,
? he said in a statement.
“The stadium is a vital local amenity and should be maintained as an area of leisure for the residents of Harold’s Cross, Rathmines, Kimmage and Terenure.
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Cllr Andrews said that over the years the stadium had become a focal point for the community, an important source of local employment and a home for greyhound racing, as well as having a rich history as a ground for numerous League of Ireland clubs.
“Whatever its future as a greyhound stadium, its value to the local community must be preserved,
? he added.
In statement to Southside People the IGB said it issued a comprehensive response to the Indecon Report on the Board and the Industry that was released in October 2014.
“In that report, Indecon outlined 27 recommendations on finance, governance, regulation and animal welfare,
? the statement reads.
“The IGB presented a series of timelined proposals to implement the recommendations to the Minister for State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Tom Hayes TD.
“The IGB response outlined plans to return the financial performance of the group to an operating profit and a reduction of bank borrowings to a level appropriate to the IGB business model by the end of 2017.
“As part of this a commitment was made by the IGB Board to the sale of Harold’s Cross, one of IGB’s two Dublin stadia, along with a number of properties and land banks in Cork and Limerick.
“It was also decided that Harold’s Cross will continue to trade in the interim.
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Phil Meaney, chairman of the IGB, stated:
“It was only after long and careful consideration that our responses as to the implementation of the recommendations made by the Indecon report were agreed.
“The IGB Board’s goal is to secure the future of the industry, not only in Dublin but nationwide, and the sale of Harold’s Cross Greyhound Stadium will ensure that we achieve this.
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Geraldine Larkin, the CEO of IGB, added:
“The financial situation we find ourselves in is far from ideal and in order to ensure the long-term survival of the Irish greyhound industry we have committed to the sale of Harold’s Cross Greyhound Stadium.
“However, taking into account the opinions of the local community is equally important to make sure that we have an opportunity to address the views and concerns of local people.
“In the meantime we ask that the residents of the Southside and patrons of Harold’s Cross Greyhound Stadium continue their valued support of both the stadium and greyhound racing in Dublin.
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