The Curragh racecourse is to get a multi-million euro face-lift

Plans were revealed this morning to give The Curragh a €65m makeover with a new grandstand, parade ring and museum opening within three years.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney said a company, Curragh Racecourse Limited, will own, operate and redevelop the Curragh Racecourse and Training Grounds.

The development plans for the racecourse, which were unveiled by the Minister and Horse Racing Ireland at the venue, include a new grandstand, weigh-room and parade ring, while the arrivals and reception area of the racecourse will incorporate a museum of Irish racing.

The  stable yard will be completely refurbished, while a separate investment programme will be put in place for the training ground.

A period of consultation will now take place in advance of the submission of a planning application. It is hoped that the new Curragh Racecourse will open in 2018 and the intention is that racing will continue throughout the development period.

The overall investment in the project will be circa €65m, to be financed jointly by the Horse Racing Authority and private investment.

Three groups of shareholders who will form the Board of the new company, which will be chaired by Kildare native, former CEO of the ESB and current chairman of Eir, Padraig McManus.

Minister Coveney said: "The Curragh is the heart of Kildare, the thoroughbred county.

"It is an acknowledged centre of excellence in every aspect of the thoroughbred industry and this project will secure its place as the keeper of Ireland’s racing traditions and a welcoming host of some of Ireland’s best sporting and social occasions.