Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Food and Horticulture, Jackie Cahill has welcomed the resolution to the long running greyhound dispute and said that all stakeholders must come together and plan for growth and renewal.
“First of all, I want to thank those who engaged in picketing Shelbourne Park for taking this decision in the best interests of the industry.
“I am led to believe that the Board of Bord na gConn will approve, tomorrow, a substantial increase in the prize money available for racing in Ireland.
“Dog owners and trainers badly need this increase in funding to ensure that the industry remains viable and prosperous for all involved.
“The only upshot of the appearance of the Bord before the PAC is the confirmation that the organisation is not corrupt and that no misappropriation of funds took place.
“Those who brought these clouds of doubt over the industry by making wild claims at public meetings have damaged the industry.
“These doubts, I believe, extended the picket, and cost the industry, the owners and trainers money.
“However, it’s time to move on, and to work together to build up the industry and the sport to its former levels.
“The news that Shelbourne Park is due to re-open on Saturday week is the news that all those who care deeply about the sport have been waiting for.
“Bord na gConn must now set ambitious, yet realistic, targets for the sport’s growth over the next five and ten years. Now that the debt issue has been resolved, the Executive must up their performance and use the recent changes as a platform for growth and success.
“As a dog man myself, I know how much pressure the industry has been under in the recent months. It’s time to move on, united and with purpose,” concluded Cahill.