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"Why is Donegal not at
the races?"
18.07.08
A LOCAL senator has
asked why Donegal is not at the races in terms of
the multi-million euro horse industry that has
brought economic fortunes to regions like Galway and
Killarney.
Senator Cecilia Keaveney called on all interested
parties to come together and examine what is needed
to bring an official horse racing track to Donegal. |
“Racing has become a
big sport in Ireland with almost 1.5 million people
attending racing events throughout the country in
2007. Research also shows that about half the Irish
population have been racing at some point and that
attendances are rapidly diversifying from the young
to the old," said Senator Keaveney.
The Moville-based senator has also met with
officials from Horse Racing Ireland who, she said,
would like to meet parties |
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keen to develop such a
proposal in the county. "There is, however, the
issue of the initial investment required which Horse
Racing Ireland say is a minimum of €25 million. This
is a substantial figure," added Senator Keaveney.
“I would encourage all those parties interested in
developing the horse racing industry in the county
to work towards presenting a proposal to Horse
Racing Ireland. Given the growing interest in the
sport that is taking place throughout the country, I
have no doubt this would be a sporting tourism
investment that would yield benefits to local
communities also," she said. |
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