Racing: The downturn in the global economy has resulted in the long-awaited redevelopment of the Curragh being postponed indefinitely. The €100 million project had been due to commence next July.
Plans for ultra-modern new grandstands and a facility catering for attendances of over 64,000 were announced in 2006 but planning delays had held up project. It was announced earlier this year that construction work would finally get underway next summer but the worsening economic conditions have now put paid to those plans.
The Turf Club announced the decision this morning, explaining that it would be "inappropriate to proceed at this time", adding that the project was not dead and buried and would be kept under review.
The Turf Club senior steward Nick Wachman said: "Happily everyone in Irish racing understands that there is a real need to develop the Curragh in order to create facilities that are commensurate with the world class racing that this wonderful track produces.
"We are confident that the project will recommence at an appropriate time".
Today's announcement is just the latest stage of a controversial development that began with the Aga Khan's estimated €15 million present of the Stand House Hotel which opened the way for a long-awaited facelift to Irish racing's HQ.
A new ring-road around the track was completed in May of last year but work has stalled since with the project spending 16 months with An Bord Pleanála, during which time there were nine different deferrals. Planning permission was finally granted in February.