Support for the future of Enniscorthy Greyhound Track was enhanced today by Minister Paul Kehoe who confirmed to WexfordToday.com that he has been in contact with Wicklow-based Minister Andrew Doyle, Minister of State for Food, Forestry and Horticulture, and a meeting with a delegation from Enniscorthy will take place next week.

Minister Kehoe said he has been in contact with the Board of Enniscorthy Greyhound Track and he wants the track to remain open.

This encouraging news for the future of the track and comes a day after members of Wexford County Council were unanimous in their support and called for engagement with the Minister, the Irish Greyhound Board and Enniscorthy track management in an effort to ensure the continuation of the sport at the Ross Road, Enniscorthy.

Speaking at yesterday’s meeting of Wexford County Council, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr Kathleen-Codd, said her family were involved with greyhounds for three generations and closure would be a serious situation for Enniscorthy. “The best of greyhounds raced there, and the track is of vital importance for the economic, social, cultural and tourism life of Enniscorthy.” She felt that if the track were to be let go it would have a huge impact on Enniscorthy town and district, the county and the South-East.

Deputy James Browne, told WexfordToday.com, that he is “seeking an urgent meeting with Minister Doyle and the Chairman of the Irish Greyhound Board, Frank Nyhan.” He added; “The town (Enniscorthy) has taken a lot of hits and this is another blow. It would be a huge loss to the greyhound industry, the town, and lots of GAA clubs, charities, etc run fundraising meetings at the track.”

“The Labour Party fully supports the Enniscorthy Greyhound track”, George Lawlor told WexfordToday.com, and added: “Whilst the greyhound industry has had serious issues highlighted recently that need to be addressed, the closure of tracks such as Enniscorthy would be a retrograde step and needs to be fought against.”

“As well as offering facilities for owners, trainers, their dogs and supporters the Enniscorthy track has allowed many valuable fundraising events to be hosted by a myriad of organisations over those years. Closing this facility would be a step backwards and a major blow to Enniscorthy.”

Concerns for the future of Enniscorthy Greyhound Track emerged last week when the Indecon Economic Consultants Report proposed the end of funding for four tracks, including Enniscorthy, and the recommendation has been accepted by the Irish Greyhound Board.

The window of opportunity for a survival plan is extremely narrow and of paramount importance with holiday closures around Christmas and the New Year and members of the public will have a chance to assess the outcome of the independent study and express views before the recommendations are implemented with January 10^th as the date pencilled in as the day of reckoning.