HORSE Sport Ireland’s proposed relocation to Greenogue was raised in the Dáil on Thursday although neither of the two Ministers attached to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) were present for the short debate.

Kildare North TD Catherine Murphy (SD) thanked Dublin-Rathdown Minister of State with responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion, Josepha Madigan (FG), for answering her question, expressing regret neither of the two relevant ministers were present.

Deputy Murphy said: “The decision made with a Centre of Excellence has to take on board the requirements of all the affiliates. Horse Sport Ireland have entered into the Heads of Terms agreement with a privately owned equestrian centre with an obligation to spend between €7m to €12 million renting this facility for 35 years – what happens to that investment after the 35 years?

“None of the affiliates were informed in advance of the announcement of this location in December; they were told afterwards by Zoom but that’s not the level of consultation that would be needed for such a long term enterprise.

“I do have a very good understanding of process and transparency and the importance of that. I would have thought that finding a site would be the end of the process. What did the Minister know of this – will they look at this again? It has been pointed out by some affiliates that it simply won’t meet their needs.

“Also a planned portion of the 30-acre site is frozen for the Western Dublin Orbital route to link the N3, N4 and the N7 and this would impact on the development of the facilities.

“HSI should pause this and include their affiliates. Let’s make a good decision on this – it needs to be paused.”

Fragmented industry

In reply, Minister Madigan pointed out that HSI is a limited company which operates independently of the DAFM and the Department of Transport via Sport Ireland.

She referred to the 2015 Reaching New Heights Strategic Report, which envisaged a centre of excellence for the sport horse sector. A review of the structure of HSI, conducted by international consultants Indecon, was published and recommended the rationalisation of the board which was undertaken.

Minister Madigan said: “In its 2021 budget submission, HSI said it believed a national centre as part of a hub and spoke model would be extremely worthwhile. It would be a holistic approach providing world class environment, promotion of an outstanding product and would bring a focal point and much cohesion to a very fragmented industry.”

However, no additional capital funding was provided for this purpose.

“I’m aware that the Minister is aware that HSI is considering relocating to a new site and headquarters and a national centre and envisaged this will be a world-class environment for production of horses, provision of equine services, industry training and promotion. HSI has the objective of having a defined headquarters and national training and breeding centre since its inception.

“I will bring your concerns in relation to Greenogue to the attention of Minister Charlie McConalogue and the relevant department; your concerns over what the Minister did or did not know following this discussion here in the Chamber,” said Minister Madigan.

Greenogue elevation \ Courtesy of Horse Sport Ireland

Expediency concerns

Deputy Catherine Murphy replied: “I agree a Centre of Excellence is a really good idea and would have a unifying aspect. I completely agree that the sport horse sector does need a higher standard of competition facilities. I’m not questioning that need.

“Let’s not make the mistake of not consulting the affiliates that require to have their needs met by this. Let’s not make the mistake of picking a site for expediency that is not the right site – it could end up being the right site – but it has not gone through the kind of unifying process in determining the needs, scoping out the needs, in considering the funding options, that’s the kind of things.

“There are really significant planning issues and constraints in this location. I’m asking that you strongly go back to Minister and DOA and ask them to go back to really look at this. It is going to be public money primarily going into this and let’s make sure when it is developed that it is something we are very proud of.

“I’m looking for the right decision to be made, proper consultation, and that process matters,”said Deputy Murphy.

Two-year search

Minister Madigan said: “I’m advised that the HSI Board has examined a number of sites as part of a selection process carried out by a sub committee of the board and a detailed feasibility study for the centre was carried out.

“HSI appointed an independent consultant to carry this out following a competitive request for tender. The work of looking for a site is going on for two years. They engaged with a range of potential sites and hired a property advisor to review options for purchase or rent.

“HSI says it has engaged with all Olympic and Para affililates on the Greenogue proposal – SJI, Dressage Ireland, Eventing Ireland, Para Dressage, AIRC, Mounted Games, Endurance, RDAI, The Irish Quarter Horse Association, The Irish Pony Society, TREC Ireland, and the Irish Shows Association to discuss this matter.

“This ensulates about 30,000 participants in Ireland. I hope this clarifies for the House the background of the proposal that HSI is endeavouring to progress. The right decision should be made and it is a decision for the board of HSI to make ultimately.”