Major developments like the Aviva Stadium or Ravenhill are often in the public eye but sporting facilities are a much more frequent boon for the hard pressed construction sector than is often realised.
Youghal Greyhound Stadium will unveil the first phase of its redevelopment on Friday night with a new bar, betting area and full wheelchair accessibility. 
Admission to the track will be free, sponsored by the local track supporters club and a large crowd is expected to see the new facilities, enjoy a night at the dogs and free finger food.
The investment in facilities by the Irish Greyhound Board over a decade has paid dividends with facilities at its tracks now fully in line with what would be expected by a sporting audience at most venues.  Refurbishment and remodelling at Shelbourne Park, Harolds Cross, Curraheen Park and Limerick has been followed at smaller venues and this development at Youghal is seen locally as a major commitment to the future of racing in the town.
“The upgrade brings a high level of comfort to our long-supporting patrons and will, we hope, encourage new visitors,” said track manager Johnny McGrath.
The Youghal project has been overseen by WS Atkins.
The Government’s recent capital investment programme will push €30 million into local economies and is to be targeted in particular at clubs and local groups where shared facilities are central.
The building sector has been hit hard during the current economic downturn and that has in turn impacted sports clubs, taking away one of their main providers of local funding.
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It is encouraging to see that the favour can be returned by the need and now the facility to refurbish and upgrade so that players and supporters facilities do not go back to where they came from.
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