Sport and the housing crisis rarely intersect to a great extent, other than in broad societal terms, but news has broken today of a more direct link.

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and the Land Development Agency (LDA) have finalised an agreement to transfer approximately 17 acres of land from the Leopardstown Racecourse campus for the development of over 800 social and affordable homes.

The land, currently utilised as overflow parking and zoned for residential use, is strategically located adjacent to the M50 motorway and the Green Luas line. The development will be further supported by the activation of a previously unused Luas stop, enhancing public transport connectivity for future residents.

This agreement follows extensive discussions between the two state bodies, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin announcing today that a deal had been reached.

“I am delighted to see these lands being made available to support the delivery of homes at scale, close to critical amenities, in an area of great need,” he said.

“Solving the housing challenge requires collaboration across our society, from the Government to a range of private and public bodies.”

“I commend HRI for making its contribution and look forward to seeing more of these types of transfers, allowing us to unlock State Land to provide much needed homes for people and families across the country. I look forward to seeing progress in Leopardstown over the coming years.”

The collaboration will strike a balance between the urgent need for housing and the preservation and enhancement of the racecourse’s facilities. Leopardstown is the only racecourse in County Dublin. Previously, the Phoenix Park had one, and there was another in Baldoyle.

HRI’s Chief Executive, Suzanne Eade, emphasised that the agreement safeguards plans to further develop the Leopardstown Racecourse campus, ensuring its status as a world-class horse racing facility while contributing to a sustainable mixed-use neighbourhood.

“We are pleased to announce this land transfer, which will allow for the potential development of a significant number of new and much-needed homes. Crucially for an industry that contributes in excess of €2.46bn to the Irish economy annually, the agreement safeguards our plans to further develop the Leopardstown Racecourse campus and to improve what is already a proven world-class horse racing facility.

Design and planning work for the housing development will commence immediately, with the LDA aiming to deliver A-rated, energy-efficient homes. The project aligns with the government’s “Housing for All” strategy, utilising state-owned land to address housing shortages.

 

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SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

This deal has been on the negotiation table for some time with the compelling need for housing being balanced by HRI as the land owner needing to secure a deal that was good for the sport as well.  It is a good thing that it has now been done with a satisfactory outcome for all.

WHAT’S UP NEXT?

We are looking forward to bringing you more on this breaking news, including the next steps in the development of the Leopardstown campus in the coming days.

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