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.