The Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) has confirmed that the Youghal Greyhound Track will remain open up until the end of 2022 with a review of performance expected in the last quarter of next year, according to Fine Gael TD for Cork East Constituency, David Stanton.
Having been engaged by the IGB to conduct a review of stadium performance, Indecon published a report in December proposing the closure of four greyhound tracks in 2020. Youghal Greyhound Track was one of the four suggested for closure but having received a variety of submissions in opposition to the proposal, a revised report was submitted to IGB in May recommending that the track be given the opportunity to implement a more affordable operating model.
Extensive engagement between IGB and the Youghal Greyhound Supporters Club has now seen an agreement reached whereby operations will continue at the track beyond this year and up to the end of 2022, subject to certain conditions. The agreement is scheduled for review in the last quarter of 2021.
Following confirmation of the agreement, David Stanton said: “I have no doubt that this agreement for the continued operation of Youghal Greyhound Track is positive news for those in Youghal and the wider East Cork and West Waterford areas, who use this amenity on a regular basis. I was surprised and disappointed at the original proposal to cease operations at the track, as I am sure a large number of locals were, given the volume of correspondence I received in the aftermath of the report’s publication.
“I understand that strong submissions were made in opposition to the proposed closure given that the track has been in operation in Youghal for over 70 years. I am delighted that those involved will get a deserved opportunity to prove that Youghal Greyhound Track can operate on a more sustainable basis and I look forward to working with them as the agreement progresses”, concluded David Stanton.
