O’Donoghue defends €200m racing fund

SPORTS Minister John O’Donoghue yesterday stoutly defended the Government’s “generous” financial backing for the horse and greyhound racing industries.

Mr O’Donoghue justified the decision to provide an additional €200 million to the horse and greyhound fund over the next few years on the grounds that Ireland was the third-largest producer in the world and the industry employed 25,000 people.

“That did not happen by accident. It came about because of investment. We cannot continue with corrugated iron sheds and outdoor toilets and bars with sawdust on the floor,” said Mr O’Donoghue.