New 1.3 million development for Ballinrobe Racecourse

New €1.3 million development for Ballinrobe Racecourse


Edwin McGreal

BALLINROBE racecourse is to take another significant step forward with the announcement of further development at the south Mayo track this week, with work on the €1.3 million project set to commence in October.
There are three parts to the new development with the construction of a new 160 seater restaurant, a new entrance hall and a new pavilion behind the existing stand.
Fifteen years ago the future of the course was in doubt but successive developments over the past decade have transformed the course. Speaking after the announcement racecourse manager John Flannelly expressed the hope that this development would enable the course to go from strength to strength.
”We have been continually upgrading our facilities over the years and what we are doing now is finishing off the enclosure and bringing it up to a very high standard,” he told The Mayo News.
“We’ve received good support from customers and this is our way of saying we appreciate you coming and we are providing excellent facilities for you. It is important that our customers continue to support us.”
These developments coincide with the ongoing development of a new six and a half acre widening of the existing racetrack, which will allow the course to host more - and better quality - races in the future.
“These new developments are all about giving our customers greater comfort on the days of races. Our supporters have stood by us through thick and thin, and they take great pride in watching the on-going developments at the course,” added Flannelly. “The entrance hall will form a sparkling, new ‘front door’ for our facilities – a strong message that you have now arrived at a top-quality racing venue, and that’s the image we are trying to create.”
In these recessionary times, the project will also give a significant lift to business life in the greater Ballinrobe region.
“The races are an integral part of community life in the west of Ireland, and we would hope that this news will help to stimulate economic activity during these challenging times,” said Mr Flannelly. “As far as we are concerned, it’s onwards and upwards for Ballinrobe, and we know our supporters will be delighted with this news.”
Fine Gael Sports Spokesman Deputy John O’Mahony welcomed the news.
“This is excellent news for Ballinrobe. The new investment will not only improve the racecourse but will also provide for new amenities that will generate extra revenue. The 160 seat restaurant will provide money and jobs and should greatly add to the attraction of going to the racecourse.”
The project will be funded through Ballinrobe Race Committee’s own resources and also by drawing down grant aid previously approved by Horse Racing Ireland in 2007. Ballinrobe Racecourse hosts an average nine race meetings per year, a number they are hoping to increase with their new facilities.