Punchestown comments criticised

SOME politicians have been accused of showing an “unwillingness” to check facts in their criticisms of the agricultural and equestrian events’ centre in Punchestown.

Management claims the €14.8 million centre, which received 100% grant aid, remains a political football.

Liam Holton, sales and marketing director of Punchestown Racecourse and Event Centre, strongly disputed claims made by Fine Gael TD Michael Noonan that of the 10 events at the centre this year, only one appeared to be linked to agriculture - the Kildare Garden Growers’ show.

The Limerick TD, who chairs the Public Accounts Committee, made the comment as the joint Oireachtas body discussed a post project review of the centre by officials at the Department of Agriculture.

Responding to Mr Noonan’s claim, Mr Holton said: “I think that before he make a statement like that, he has an obligation to all the parties involved to get his facts correct.

“We don’t want to engage in an argument with anyone,” he said, “but, as an organisation, we are apolitical and our interests remain solely focused on running the events that are good for the community in general.”

Mr Holton said facilities at Punchestown had been utilised this year for a number of major agricultural and equestrian shows, attracting 110,000 people.

The events included the Irish Garden Machinery Show, the Farm Tractor and Machinery Trade Association Show, The Irish National Hunt Racing Festival, The National Dairy Spring Show and the Kildare Garden Growers’ Show.

Other major events, to be announced shortly, are being planned for the next 18 months, he said.

Pointing out that five of the 12 major events this year were either agri or equestrian-based, Mr Holton said: “We are an easy target. We have become a bit of a political football in circumstances where there’s an unwillingness to examine the facts.

“Mr Noonan’s remarks were regrettable because he would, or should, have been aware of the facts - they are a matter of public record.

“The events’ centre itself serves the community well, providing great economic benefit and offering facilities that will be utilised for years to come. It’s an asset to businesses, especially agriculture and equestrian.”