Bellewstown residents express concerns over land
THOSE behind Bellewstown racecourse have moved to attempt to allay fears about the ‘common land’ in the vicinity of the course after they sought ‘possessory title’ to build new stables.
Local landowners were surprised to receive letters from the Land Registry Office, outling the lands in question.
A public meeting was subsequently organised for Bellewstown Hall this week.
Locals took to social media to outline their concerns, stating that the traditional common land around the racecourse housed the likes of a GAA pitch and pitch and putt and an area had been reserved for people to come and sit and enjoy the scenery. They did not want to see that change or fences being erected or any issues with people using the amenity.
Stephen Duggan, on behalf of the Bellewstown Race Committee, said they would like to apologise for any misunderstanding linked to the correspondence that locals received from the land register office.
‘In summary, Horse racing Ireland now require all Racecourses to have permanent stables for racing for enhanced hygiene, security and animal welfare reasons. As you may be aware Bellewstown does currently not possess permanent stables and have been dependant on the use of temporary stabling facilities that are erected each summer. Consequently, the racecourse needs to borrow money to build the stables and in order to do this we have to show we have possessory title to the land same as we have for the track itself. As part of this process the property registration office writes to all adjacent land owners as a courtesy to inform them of what is happening.
‘Let us reassure you that there are no new fences being erected, no additional restricted access, nothing changes around the race course. This piece of land concerned is in the middle of the racecourse opposite the stands to the east and cannot be accessed from the road.’
They say they welcomed the public meeting to allow them outline their plans and also listen to any concerns people may have.
Bellewstown Racecourse Committee also invite the interested general public to an Open Information Evening taking place this Thursday 29th March from 7pm to 9pm at Bellewstown Racecourse with regard to the regularisation of the racecourse issue with The Land Registry.
For the first time ever, the July Festival at Bellewstown this year will be a 4-day event, beginning on Wednesday, 4th July and ending on Saturday, 7th July.