Greyhound racing to continue at Shelbourne Park for ‘at least 30 years’

Greyhound racing will continue at Shelbourne Park for at least another 30 years, the semi-State body responsible for the industry has said.

The owner of the Shelbourne Park greyhound racing track wants to develop the Dublin 4 site for housing, according to a submission to Dublin City Council.

Pembroke Estates Management, controlled by Aline Finnegan, has urged the local authority to assign residential zoning on the 2.2 hectares (5.5 acres) it owns in the stadium grounds which comprises the race track.

The stadium building on the adjoining 0.8 hectares (2 acres) is owned by a Greyhound Racing Ireland subsidiary.

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“The lands have the potential to accommodate over 750 residential units in a mixed-tenure development which could provide a mix of social [and] affordable units, build-to-rent, build-for-sale and cost-rental apartment units,” said a planning submission to the council on behalf of Pembroke Estates from Finnegan Menton estate agents.

“The current zoning as open space/amenity provides no benefit to the public as the lands are used for the racing of greyhounds with no access for members of the public outside of race nights.”

However, Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ), the formal name for Greyhound Racing Ireland, said it is “fully committed” to the long-term future and development of greyhound racing activity at Shelbourne Park.

“This flagship stadium in the RCÉ portfolio is to greyhound racing what Croke Park is to Gaelic games, and it remains a significant social and cultural asset to the people of Dublin and Ireland alike,” it said in a statement.

Long-term intention

Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium Limited, a subsidiary company of RCÉ, retains full ownership over Shelbourne Park Stadium which comprises about 1 hectare (2.5 acres) of the entire 3.2-hectare (8-acre) site, the body said.

It added that Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium Limited holds a 99-year land lease for the remaining 2.2 hectares (5.5 acres) of land on which the racing track is located.

“RCÉ will continue to host greyhound racing at Shelbourne Park Stadium until at least March 24th, 2052, the date on which the lease expires, with options for a lease extension for a further 84 years beyond this date,” it said.

Last year, the board of the RCÉ unanimously affirmed its long-term intention to “retain greyhound racing at Shelbourne Park and further decided that it would be the focus of capital improvements enhancing the stadium and the track for the people of Ireland”.

“Plans and designs for this state-of-the-art investment are under way. Works are expected to commence in early 2023,” it added.

Nuala Donlon, spokeswoman for Greyhound Action Ireland, said the campaign group would like to see an end to greyhound racing in its entirety due to animal welfare concerns, adding that a change of land use in the capital would be “welcome, wonderful news”.

“I’m delighted, primarily because it could end greyhound racing in Dublin. Why wouldn’t Dublin City Council grant them the rezoning? A tiny number of people are involved with the greyhound industry. A great majority of people would want to see housing there,” she said.

“Dublin City Council should use this land for the greater good. Let’s hope they don’t pander to the opinions of a tiny number of people.”