The Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development agreed with the Leas-Cathaoirleach, Mr Liam Cosgrave (FG), that it would be a shame if the Leopardstown racecourse track was distorted as a result of road works. Mr Walsh said he would take up the matter with the course management.
Mr Cosgrave said there was great concern about the impact the extension of the M50 roadway would have on the course. The president of the Racing Club of Ireland had warned that road developments were likely to spell the end of sprint and two-year-old racing at Leopardstown.
Mr Cosgrave said there was a danger roadworks could flood the track. It would be a disaster if Leopardstown closed because it was the only course left in the Dublin area and it would be hard to rebuild its great atmosphere.