David Stanton, Fine Gael TD for Cork East and Minister of State at the Department of Justice, has expressed his surprise at the proposal to close Youghal Greyhound Track in 2020. Youghal Greyhound Track was one of the four greyhound tracks suggested for closure in a report by Indecon who were engaged by the IGB to conduct a review of stadium performance.
“I am disappointed that the Youghal track has been earmarked for closure next year. It is a great asset to the town and has been in operation for more than 70 years. Since 2011, three Government ministers with responsibility for this sector have accepted my invitation to come and visit the track. These were Ministers of State at the Department of Agriculture,Shane McEntee TD and Tom Hayes TD in 2011 and 2014 respectively and most recently, Andrew Doyle TD, in August 2018. The visit of the late Shane McEntee resulted in €100,000 being made available for track and facility improvements”, said David Stanton.
“I would have expected that recent investment by the Irish Greyhound Board and the local community in Youghal Greyhound Track would have ensured its viability into the future. I know there have also been some changes recently in race days and international coverage which I expected would have ensured that the track would remain open.
“Many of those who have concerns about the future of the track have been in contact with me to discuss the proposed submission to IGB regarding Indecon’s proposals. The deadline for this is 10 January 2020. I expect that a very a strong submission will be prepared and I am happy to assist in its preparation. I will be working to ensure that this important local amenity for Youghal, and the wider East Cork and West Waterford areas, continues operating”, concluded David Stanton TD.
