THE redevelopment of the Curragh is on schedule, reports the racecourse. The €70 million project began earlier this year and is due for completion before the start of the 2019 flat season.

A truncated racing season was staged at the venue this year and will be repeated in 2018, though the layout of the temporary facilities, including the entrance, will be altered next year.

Kildare County Council CEO Peter Carey commented: “I am very impressed by the progress to date and the completed development will provide a significant boost to the county, while it is already having a positive impact on the local economy with many Kildare businesses already benefiting from additional revenue generated by the project.

“I am confident that the new Curragh will ensure the racecourse becomes one of the finest in the world making the county truly proud of its horseracing roots and revitalising the venue, not only as an iconic sporting amenity, but also as a vibrant and exciting multi purpose venue which will be used for a variety of activities and events.”

The construction of the new grandstand commenced in September immediately after Irish Champions Weekend. The project also involves relocating the Viewing Room which was first built in the 1850s to commemorate the proposed visit of Queen Victoria.

A refurbished stableyard is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2018 season.

Derek McGrath, CEO of the Curragh, commented: “I am delighted to say that all is going according to plan and our project team are working extremely well with our contractors. Anyone driving past the Curragh will see the landscape regularly changing as the development evolves and the new grandstand rises from the earth.”