Equestrian centre under fire over list of events
Mr Noonan read out a list of events for this year to yesterday’s PAC meeting when discussing the post-project review of the centre carried out by the Department of Agriculture.
They included an Our House exhibition; the Musgraves Christmas Exhibition; the Volkwagon Car Show; the Irish Commercial Truck Show; the Oxygen music festival; a house building show; a woodwork show; a children’s food show; and another Christmas show.
The only events that could be described as being of an equine or agricultural nature are a local horticultural show which is taking place at present.
“I cannot see the relationship between this being a key part of the (agricultural and equine) industries and these events,” he told officials from the Department of Agriculture. “These events do not jump off the screen as consistent with its primary objectives.”
Tom Moran, the secretary general of the department, said that the primary purpose of the centre was in relation to the agricultural and equine sectors.
He said that it was common in centres throughout Europe that other events like these were being held.
“Over time, the intention is that there will be a growth in agriculture type events which will complement the equine events.
“It is necessary that there have to be other types of shows and demonstrations in order to contribute to the viability of the centre.”
He said that over time, activities would be split 50/50 between core and non-core events.
The department’s review conceded the correctness of criticisms made by the Comptroller and Auditor General John Purcell that more transparent process should have been put in place. But it concluded that there were net economic benefits from the projects and that the location was, on the whole, logical.
Mr Moran said the centre was expected to move into profit by next year.
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