Horse Racing Ireland

has confirmed a €4.7 million capital development grant towards the €12 million cost of the latest leg of redevelopment at its

Leopardstown

track over the next two years.

A new administration building and weighroom, as well as a new saddling area and additional betting and entertainment areas, form the basis of the building project which will take place over 2016 and 2017.

Work carried out this year on new bars and restaurants is due to be finished in time for the forthcoming four-day Christmas festival which is set to attract up to 55,000 people through the gates at Dublin’s only racecourse.

Leopardstown officials aim to increase the crowd capacity of the track so it can host up to 20,000 comfortably on a given day, an increase of about 2,000 as it currently stands. The total cost of development when it’s finished is estimated to reach €20 million.

Final phase

One of the most striking designs in the new plans is the projected installation of a permanent marquee-style pavilion between the parade ring and main entrance. The marquee is expected to cater for post-race music events such as the Bulmers Summer Series.

"This final phase of work will mean that all of Leopardstown's facilities will have been upgraded over a five-year period as befits the home of some of our best national hunt fixtures and the Longines Irish Champions Weekend," said HRI chief executive Brian Kavanagh.

As part of the plans, the old main Ballyogan entrance gates will be demolished to allow a new building which will include a stewards room, medical facilities and new racecourse administration offices.

"We are delighted to have received support from the HRI Capital Development Scheme," said Leopardstown chief executive Pat Keogh.

“Our vision is to create a facility that will showcase the best that Irish racing has to offer. The international interest in Irish Champions Weekend this year shows the potential of the sport. When we complete the development, we will have a facility that will compare very favourably with the best national and international sports venues,” he said.

“Leopardstown makes a valuable contribution to our local economy and we hope the benefits of this development will be enjoyed by hotels, restaurants, bars and shops in our community. It will also generate employment during development and in the future.”