Equestrian governing body in constant communication with Sport Ireland over potential plans.

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) has moved to allay the fears of stakeholders, affiliates, and the wider equestrian community on plans for the future of the National Sport Horse Arena in Abbotstown, Co. Dublin.

In November, 2022, Taoiseach Micheál Martin unveiled the ‘Sport Ireland Campus Masterplan Vision’, described as an ‘ambitious blueprint which proposes a vision and framework for the growth of the Sport Ireland Campus and the long-term development of associated sporting facilities over the next 15–20 years.’

The long-term plans, which are subject to significant capital funding, involve the development of the campus into a local, national and international centre for sporting excellence. In the medium term, implications for the equestrian community include plans for the redevelopment of the National Sport Horse Arena, housed in the walled garden on the campus. 

The document states that ‘the existing walled garden is to be returned to its original purpose as a formal kitchen garden to provide home-grown and seasonal produce for the Campus. A proposed new cookery school will provide courses for athletes and the general public with a focus on healthy eating and nutritional diets.’

Irish high-performance teams and athletes have used the arena for 10 years in preparation for championships and, while there is understandable disappointment at the proposed removal of the facility from the campus, Horse Sport Ireland assures the equestrian community that constant communication channels with Sport Ireland remain open on these plans.

Recent reporting on the plans for the arena have caused some concern within the industry and it was unfortunate that HSI was not contacted to contribute to the reporting, to ease these concerns. HSI officials have again this week had conversations with senior officials at Sport Ireland and received assurances on a future arena for equestrian use.

While the vision indicates clear needs that form the backbone of Sport Ireland’s Masterplan, multiple projects will be progressed to meet the more immediate needs of athletes and national governing bodies on the Campus.

HSI Chief Executive Denis Duggan said: “When the plans were unveiled in November, we met with Sport Ireland and have continued to consult with them on the plans for the National Sport Horse Arena.

“We were obviously initially concerned at the proposed removal of the arena from the campus, but the fact is that this move won’t take place until 2025 at the earliest and it remains subject to significant funding. 

“Sport Ireland have also confirmed to us that they will continue to work on projects to accommodate the needs of organisations like ourselves.

“HSI has no intention of leaving the equestrian community without an arena following the potential redevelopment of the one in Abbotstown and will continue to work on an alternative for the medium and longer term.

“As national federation for equestrian sport in Ireland and knowing the pressure on elite athletes, HSI welcomes the fact that Sport Ireland has placed significant athlete wellbeing at the heart of the plans.

“If these plans do go ahead, HSI is pleased that the walled garden will be put to use as an area of solace, relaxation and reflection for athletes as they prepare for competition on campus.

“We place great emphasis on human and equine wellbeing and are working on some exciting new projects to be launched very soon. As governing body, it is important to lead on such matters and we look forward to launching these projects.”

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