Enniscorthy track given ‘fixed period’ to address issues

OFFICIALS AT the greyhound racing track in Enniscorthy are to get an opportunity ‘for a fixed period of time’ to address the challenges and issues identified in an independent assessment that was concluded recently.

While the sport isn’t set for a return until June 29, it has remained very prominent in the news since the future viability of some tracks, including Enniscorthy, was questioned prior to the Covid-19 outbreak.

And now it has emerged that the Irish Greyhound Board has received a strategic review of the capability of its racing stadia to underpin a viable long-term sustainable industry.

The assessment was carried out on an independent basis by Indecon, following on from an open consultation process conducted by the I.G.B. after the same company’s initial report was published last December.

During the consultation phase, 48 submissions were received, all of which have now been assessed by Indecon.

The company confirmed the main conclusions and recommendations contained in its original report published at the end of last year.

Indecon now points out that there are also new risks arising for the greyhound sector from the coronavirus pandemic which potentially impacts on the sector and should be taken into account.

The Indecon report on submissions presented three options to the Board of the I.G.B. as follows:

1) Implement proposed restructuring and other decisions recommended by Indecon (in its original report published in December, 2019).

2) Provide an opportunity to Enniscorthy and Youghal for a fixed period of time to address challenges/issues identified, and for key performance measures to be set.

3) Not implement the recommendations of the Indecon report.

The Board has considered the additional report from Indecon and, given the current period of inactivity relating to the Covid-19 pandemic, it proposes to proceed with option two and offer a fixed period of time to Enniscorthy and Youghal to address the challenges and issues identified in the overall report.

Contact has been made with both tracks involved towards engagement with the I.G.B. in relation to the approach agreed by the Board. It is in intended the matter will be further considered by the Board at its July meeting.

Meanwhile, greyhound racing was not specifically mentioned in the roadmap for re-opening society and business, published on Friday.

However, phase three of the roadmap provides for ‘behind closed doors sporting activities/ events where arrangements are in place to enable participants to maintain social distancing’ to be permitted from June 29.

The I.G.B. has been engaging with the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine (D.A.F.M.) regarding the absence of a reference to greyhound racing in the roadmap, and has outlined the proven ability of the industry to comply with all Covid-19 protocols, as demonstrated in the successful period of ‘racing behind closed doors’ between March 12 and 24.

The operation of a ‘one person, one dog policy’ together with the availability of extensive outdoor spaces at all greyhound tracks – including Enniscorthy – readily facilitates the necessary social distancing requirements.

D.A.F.M. has since confirmed that the relevant date for resumption of greyhound racing behind closed doors is June 29, and that it falls within phase three of the roadmap.

The I.G.B., at this point, intend commencing with the undertaking of trials with effect from June 8 when phase two of the roadmap becomes operative.

Phase two provides for an extension of the five km distance to 20 km from the home, and for small groups to gather where strict social distancing is maintained.

Compliance with these requirements will necessitate strict trial schedules, managed through a booked system, with a very limited number of persons on site (including staff) for attending trial sessions.

This is essential to comply with the roadmap and to facilitate social distancing requirements.

The I.G.B. will publish further detail of the trialling arrangement well in advance of June 8. It should be noted that all arrangements are subject to the latest government directives and public health advice which may change in the coming weeks.

The I.G.B. very much looks forward to a resumption of greyhound racing and is maintaining all tracks in a ‘racing ready’ condition. Necessary works are also being progressed to ensure full compliance with all Covid-19 protocols when racing activity resumes.