Punchestown to benefit from €6.2m redevelopment plan – Heydon

Fine Gael TD for Kildare South, and Chair of Fine Gael’s Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, Martin Heydon, has said that Punchestown Racecourse will benefit from a significant upgrade to the value of €6.2 million.

“Today’s announcement of a planned upgrade of Punchestown Racecourse is extremely good news for Kildare and for the horse sport industry generally.

“€6.2 million is to be invested in what will be a major upgrade at Punchestown Racecourse. The upgrade works are due to begin this coming May and will be completed by 2018.

“Having myself worked at Punchestown Racecourse for four years, I know that this investment is money very well spent. Maynooth University produced a report a few years ago assessing the value of the Punchestown Festival to the local Kildare economy at €60 million each year.

“The upgrade works are going to improve the race day experience for visitors, jockeys, owners, trainers and media alike. In order to continue attracting the punters in the long term, it is crucial that Punchestown is upgraded to ensure it provides the best possible experience for all visitors. An additional benefit will be the 80 plus direct and indirect jobs created during the construction phase.

“The upgrade works will result in a brand new grandstand in the area close to the final fence. This will be a fabulous addition to the site and will greatly improve the viewing experience. It will feature a covered viewing terrace at first floor level, spacious open terracing at ground level and will incorporate a dedicated Owners and Trainers Lounge, a public bar, a champagne bar, additional toilets and betting facilities.

“There will also be an upgrade of the Winner’s Room, a new Press room landscaping of the site, additional public seating areas and improvement to pedestrian access around the site. A complete refurbishment of the first floor De Robeck restaurant will allow it to host almost 300 diners with views of the parade ring and winners enclosure.

“I commend the Punchestown general manager, Dick O’Sullivan and all his staff for the great work they do every Punchestown Festival. I also commend Horse Racing Ireland for taking a long term strategic view and making this valuable investment in the future of Punchestown Racecourse.”