Our broad remit means that we strive for excellence and impact across an exceptionally wide range of areas. 2015 is proving to be an exciting and fulfilling year for the Society, with real progress already being achieved. In conjunction with the prestigious International Institute for European Affairs, we recently launched an initiative to find a practical solution to the interlinked problems of climate change and food security. The RDS can play a potentially pivotal role in this debate, having a distinguished history of involvement in both science and agriculture. The newly launched ten-year strategic plan for the Irish sport horse is another initiative in which we are integrally involved. The RDS is a key contributor to this important strategy, progressing important changes that will improve an aspect of rural Ireland that is important socially and economically. Recently we heard from one of Ireland’s most distinguished
scientists, Prof. Seamus Martin, as he delivered a lecture after receiving Ireland’s most prestigious scientific award, the RDS Irish Times Boyle Medal. All of these undertakings are carried out in your name, with the aim of improving Ireland culturally and economically, the long-standing RDS mission. Helping us on this mission, we are greatly appreciative of Members’ contributions –through time and effort given, as well as subscriptions. Starting this year and over the next five years, Membership subscriptions will be standardised for city, country and overseas Members, regardless of when one joined, recognising that everyone is a Member for the ideals the RDS embodies and strives to realise. With Easter over, the Horse Show is appearing on the horizon. I trust and hope that I will see many of you over the summer months. Thank you for both your friendship and encouragement and, in many cases, active participation.
RDS Primary Science Fair 2015
Taking place alongside the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, the RDS Primary Science Fair continues to go from strength to strength. This year, a number of distinguished visitors joined amost 3,000 young participants.
THE FUTURE OF SCIENCE
US Ambassador to Ireland Kevin O'Malley, with RDS Past President Liam Connellan, meeting participants in the RDS Primary Science Fair.
Boyle Medal Laureate
Seamus J. Martin, Smurfit Professor of Medical Genetics, TCD, has been awarded the 2014 RDS Irish Times Boyle Medal for Scientific Excellence for his pioneering work in molecular biology and immunology. Inaugurated in 1899, the Boyle Medal is Ireland's premier science award. In 1999 the Boyle Medal became a joint venture between the RDS and The Irish Times. It is now awarded biennially and carries a cash prize of €20,000.
PRIMARY ACHIEVEMENT
Former President of Ireland Mary Robinson receiving an explanation of a project from students at the RDS Primary Science Fair 2015.
BOYLE MEDAL CONFERRAL
From left: Kevin O’Sullivan, Editor, The Irish Times; Seamus Martin, Smurfit Professor of Medical Genetics, TCD, and Boyle Medal Laureate 2014; RDS President Matthew Dempsey; and, Dick Ahlstrom, Science Editor, The Irish Times.
Professor Martin has made outstanding contributions to the understanding of programmed cell death, a process that underpins numerous aspects of human biology and which has significant implications for the treatment of major diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s and autoimmunity.
The Medal is named after the acclaimed ‘father of chemistry’, Robert Boyle (1627-1691), who in 1661 introduced the concept of elements and compounds, and also propounded the experimental method upon which all modern science is based.
Forging a new path for sustainable Irish agriculture
The RDS and the IIEA recently launched an initiative to make Ireland an international leader in climate smart agriculture.
Climate change and food security are the most important issues of this century. Ireland has a responsibility in both areas: to be smart and effective in the way we produce higher quality food; and, to be responsible and diligent in tackling our greenhouse gas emissions commitments.
Straddling both the scientific and the agriculture traditions, the RDS is perfectly positioned to try and forge an ambitious path to a place where Ireland is able to do both. Ireland is one of the most recent signatories of the Global Alliance for Climate Smart Agriculture, which was launched in September 2014, with 18 other governments and multiple NGOs and multinationals signing up, such as the World Bank, Rainforest Alliance, the World Food Programme and Kellogg’s.
Climate smart agriculture has a triple win of objectives at its core: increasing farm productivity and incomes; building resilience to the impacts of climate change; and, reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.
Unique opportunity
The RDS Committee of Agriculture and Rural Affairs believes strongly that the
Society has a unique opportunity, through our partnership with the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA), to provide the practical and policy leadership to chart a path to implementing climate smart agriculture in Ireland through this Leadership Forum.
Minister Simon Coveney launched this initiative in March and was effusive in his support for the project, praising both the RDS and the IIEA for embarking upon this endeavour, which will focus on inclusive solutions. Tom Kirley, Chairman of the RDS Agriculture Committee, and formerly of Teagasc for many years, said: “The Leadership Forum is about
future-proofing the long-term success and sustainability of Irish agriculture using the best scientific evidence available. Over the next year we will hear from best practice internationally, consult with a wide range of stakeholders, identify the best climate smart practices for Ireland and communicate the collation of these findings to a wider audience. Our aim is for Irish farming to become a climate smart agriculture leader in policy and practice, ensuring its sustainable long-term future”.
The greatest challenges
Speaking at the launch of the IIEA-RDS Leadership Forum on Climate Smart Agriculture, IIEA
Director General Tom Arnold said that: “Climate change, food security and malnutrition are among the greatest challenges faced by humanity, and implementing climate smart agriculture on farms can help address all three”. The RDS and the IIEA will host a series of high-level consultations, seminars and surveys over the next six months, before drawing up a report to be presented to Government and other stakeholders in early 2016. The first public lecture in the series will take place in the RDS Library on Tuesday, April 14, at 6.30pm when Mr Forbes Elworthy of Craigmore Sustainable will speak on ‘The opportunity of Climate Smart Agriculture, lessons from New Zealand, Australia and the UK’. The second lecture in the series will see the Society welcome Dr Bruce Campbell of CGIAR, to discuss ‘Climate-Smart Agriculture: the Global Research Agenda’. This lecture will take place on May 25 with details still to be confirmed at time of going to print.
Admission to these lectures is free and open to all, but booking is essential. Call 01 240 7206, or email agriculture@rds.ie to book.
A VITAL ISSUE
RDS President Matthew Dempsey launched the Leadership Forum on Climate Smart Agriculture with Tom Arnold, IIEA, and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD (seated).
Best cattle in Ireland celebrated
Each year the RDS rewards and celebrates the best showing cattle at a ceremony in Ballsbridge, presenting cups and trophies that were used in the Spring Show for many years.
Recognising the genetic quality of beef and dairy cattle, the RDS Champion of Champions Awards demonstrates the scientific future for Irish farming and how farmers can exploit genetics to maximise profitability. This emphasis on science tallies with the recent venture into climate smart agriculture by the RDS (see page 4), which hopes to demonstrate how up-to-date scientific measures can make a
discernible difference to a farm’s bottom line and carbon footprint.
An excellent example of the impact that improved genetics can have on farm profitability and efficiency is the winner of the 2015 RDS Champion of Champions Economic Breeding Index Award, David Kerr’s Rossbheag Nuala, who has an economic breeding index of €304, compared to the national average of €125. Rossbheag Nuala is number one in the national EBI rankings and in her 15 years she has had 13 calves, and yielded almost five tonnes of milk solids, with an average calving interval of 368 days. Speaking at the awards
ceremony, outgoing Committee Chairman Mr Tom Cannon said: “Scientifically informed breeding decisions will allow Irish beef and dairy farmers to increase herd
Irish Forestry Awards open for entry
Forestry has an important and ever-evolving role to play in the Irish economy. Some 12,000 people are employed in forestry and associated industries such as timber processing at sawmills and the wood energy sector. The forestry sector has enormous future potential in terms of the economic, environmental and recreational benefits that it can provide, and the RDS is committed to working with the Forest Service to support the sustainable development of the sector through the Irish
Forestry Awards.
With a prize fund of €10,000, the Irish Forestry Awards recognise and reward farmers and woodland owners who are employing the principles of climate smart agriculture on their properties, including: sound commercial management; environmental protection; and, biodiversity. Everyone with woodlands is encouraged to enter the Awards as all woodlands, large or small, are of merit. Application forms are available on the RDS website – www.rds.ie/agriculture – or
productivity and output potential while at the same time reducing costs through greater efficiency, allowing for the practical adoption of climate smart agriculture”.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Forestry has enormous potential for Ireland, in terms of environmental and economic benefits.
via email from forestry@rds.ie. The closing date for entries is June 2, 2015. If you require any additional information,
please contact the RDS Agriculture Foundation Department directly on 01 240 7215.
PRIZE PRESENTATIONS
Ernest Mackey and David Kerr were recipients of RDS Champion of Champions medals in January 2015.
RDS supporting the arts
2015 will see a €40,000 prize fund for the RDS National Craft Awards and €20,000 awarded at the RDS Student Art Awards, both of which are now open for entries, while the RDS Music Bursary has been increased to €15,000. The goal of the RDS Arts Committee is to help emerging artists to make the breakthrough to professional artist and this substantial prize fund will significantly help in this. Running since 1860, the Taylor Art Award has past winners such as Louis Le Broquay and Dorothy Cross, and RDS support for Irish craft has spanned three centuries. The substantial prize fund for 2015 demonstrates that the RDS will continue to have a significant impact into the future too.
Speaking on foot of the RDS Student Art Awards call for entries, Chairman of the Arts
Committee Joseph Lynch said: “These Student Art and Craft Awards showcase and reward work from the best craft-makers and graduating visual artists in Ireland, encouraging and assisting emerging talent in art and craft towards a professional career, while at the same time recognising the best established craftspeople in the country. This year we have been able to increase the prize funds by almost 50%, with a top prize of €10,000 for the best graduating student artist, and three prizes of €5,000 for craft-makers. This year’s awards take on even more importance with it being the Year of Design and the additional sponsorship from Irish Design 2015 and the Design & Craft Council of Ireland has helped to make 2015’s a very substantial prize offering”.
UNITITLED #02, FROM ‘ORDINANCES AND ANGELS’
Next month will see the first of the Rising Stars concerts for 2015, in which Anna Devin will star. Anna is a previous recipient of the RDS Music Bursary and from that backing has gone on to have a real impact in the operatic scene across Europe. “The increase of the Music Bursary
prize to € 15,000 by the RDS shows our genuine commitment to this area,” said Joseph Lynch. "Making the transition to professional musician is a costly one and the RDS Music Bursary is there to support emerging Irish talent in doing this.”
SWEET MUSIC 2014 RDS Music Bursary winner Clara Daly Donnellan.
OBLIQUITY CHAIR
Enda Scott, Award of Excellence winner at the RDS Craft Awards 2014, on his winning entry.
Ruth Moore is pictured with her Taylor Award winning work at the 2014 RDS Student Art Awards.
RDS Library Speaker Series
Matthew Jebb
Plants, People and Places
April 29
6.30pm, RDS Library
Matthew Jebb will talk about the historic relationship people have with the landscape and the importance of this in understanding and protecting our flora in the future. Matthew has been the Director of the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland since 2010. Formerly his role was that of horticultural taxonomist and keeper of the National Herbarium since 1996. He is the current Chairman of Plant Network: The Plant Collections Network of Britain and Ireland, a role he has filled since 2004. He is also a member of the European Consortium of Botanic Gardens. Matthew spent many years living and working in Papua New Guinea, which he first visited in 1980, organising and leading a five-month Oxford University expedition to study ant-plants.
His fascination with the living world stems from holidays spent among rock pools and his taxonomic work has concentrated on plants with remarkable interactions with animal life, from carnivorous plants to plants that lead symbiotic lives with ants.
May 13
6.30pm, RDS Concert Hall
On the eve of the commencement of the Dublin International Piano Competition 2015, two of Ireland’s most accomplished pianists will share and exchange anecdotes and musical recollections from their extensive careers. This event complements the Library and Archives exhibition ‘Pianissimo: over a century of classical music at the RDS’. Following the talk the Library will be open to view the exhibition.
Pianist and composer Philip Martin’s concert tours have taken him around the world. A prolific composer, he has written many major commissions, a symphony (RTÉ), three piano concertos, over 300 songs and many instrumental and chamber works including seven piano trios.
John O’Conor has been decorated Officier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Government, awarded the Ehrenkreuz fur Wissenschaft und Kunst by the Austrian Government, and the Order of the Rising Sun by the Japanese Government, among other awards, during his international piano career.
Talks commence at 6.30pm and take place in the RDS Library, unless otherwise stated. Admission is free and open to all. Booking is essential on 01 240 7254, or via email at librarydesk@rds.ie.
International soprano at the RDS
MUSICAL TALENT
Former RDS Music Bursary recipient Anna Devin.
RDS Music Bursary winner for 2007, Anna Devin, will be the guest performer at the first Rising Stars concert of 2015, in the RDS Concert Hall on May 7.
Anna will be joined by four Rising Stars performers, third-level music students in conservatories of music from all over Ireland who have been chosen for their outstanding talent. They are: Jane Hackett (violin), Royal Irish Academy of Music; Gary Beecher (piano), CIT & Freemasons Young Musician of the Year; Eugene Alves (cello), CIT Cork School of Music; and, Pablo Manjón-Cabezas Guzmán (clarinet), DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama.
As the many regular attendees at the popular Rising Stars concerts will know, the concert is free of charge, but booking is required. Interest is expected to be high, so we advise RDS Members to book early. Full programme details are available on the RDS website. For further information and to book your free tickets (required), visit www.rds.ie/risingstars.
A pre-concert supper (€15 main course, tea/coffee) will be available in the RDS Members' Club from 5.30pm. To book a table, please call 01 668 9244.
Philip Martin and John O’Conor Archives and Anecdotes
The Dublin Horse Show 1931
A SPECIAL GIFT
Marianne van Pelt presented this fantastic photo album and scrapbook to the Society.
Marianne van Pelt contacted the Library recently to present a fascinating gift of a photo album and scrapbook. The album was compiled in 1931 by an American couple visiting Ireland, and featured among the images are some from the Dublin Horse Show. Marianne purchased the album online, with the express intention of presenting it to the Library. The album contains 13 original photos from the Horse Show, including an image from Goff’s
horse sales at the Show. It also has a loose page, which is of great significance. The page was taken from a publication called the ‘Irish Horse Show Annual’. Copies of the ‘Dublin Horse Show Annual’ can be found in the Society’s Library with dates ranging from 1895-1914. The Library welcomes donations of photographs, publications, posters and related memorabilia from the Dublin Horse Show or Spring Show. The photograph featured here (above, right)
COMPETITOR 253
Mrs H. Davis Kenny rode ‘George B’ in the Ladies Challenge Trophy for Hunters in 1931.
from the album shows competitor 253. It has been possible to identify from the Horse Show catalogue that it was entered by Mrs H. Davis Kenny of Shinrone, Co. Tipperary. The woman seated side saddle is Mrs H. Davis Kenny herself, taking part in Class 36, Ladies’ Challenge Trophy for Hunters, which required that horses entered be ridden by “Ladies side-saddle and wearing Hunting Costume”. The horse was called
Collection for Tommy Brennan Exhibition
The Library exhibition during the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show this year will pay tribute to the late legendary showjumper Tommy Brennan. The exhibition will run from Thursday July 30 to Friday September 18.
The Library is still seeking suitable memorabilia for possible use in the exhibition.
If you have trophies, medals, photographs or other associated items, which you would be prepared to donate or lend for the exhibition, please contact Gerard Whelan in the Library on 01 240 7256, or via email at gerard.whelan @rds.ie, or write to him at RDS Library, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.
‘George B’ and now, thanks to Marianne's kind gesture, we can all share in remembering the Show through such images from 1931, the year the Society celebrated its bicentenary. If any Member has or knows the whereabouts of copies of the ‘Irish Horse Show Annual’ or the ‘Dublin Horse Show Annual’ from 1919 to the 1930s, please contact the Librarian, Gerard Whelan, on 01 240 7256, or via email at gerard.whelan@rds.ie.
LEGENDARY
Brennan is the subject of this year’s Horse Show exhibition.
Tommy
Pianissimo: over a century of classical music at the RDS
To celebrate the 90th anniversary of the RDS Concert Hall and the 50th anniversary of the RDS Library building, the RDS Library and Archives will be curating and hosting an exhibition exploring the contribution the Society has made to classical music and its performance in Dublin from the 1880s until the present day.
On January 21, 1886, the Council of the Royal Dublin Society appointed a committee “to spend a sum not exceeding £100 and the proceeds of the sales of tickets, upon holding in the lecture theatre of the Society a series of popular recitals from the work of the best composers of music to aid in the development of an enlightened musical taste in Dublin”.
On March 4 of the same year the Council approved weekly performances of “works of the
best instrumental music”, stating that this would “enable music as an art to be systematically brought before the public as effectually as painting and sculpture are now in our public galleries…By undertaking this work the Royal Dublin Society will do important service to the cause of Art”.
When the Irish Government took over the RDS headquarters at Leinster House in 1922, the recitals were moved temporarily to the Abbey Theatre and then to the Theatre Royal. In 1925, on the completion of the RDS Concert Hall, the recitals were moved to their permanent home in Ballsbridge.
Nathan Milstein, Kathleen Ferrier, Rubinstein, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf and Jacqueline du Pre represent just a handful of the leading classical performers
GREAT PERFORMERS
Elisabeth Schwarzkopf (left) sang in the RDS Concert Hall in the 1970s while Kathleen Ferrier sang there in 1949.
of the 20th century who performed at the RDS.
Until the opening of the National Concert Hall on September 9, 1981, the RDS Concert Hall remained the premier venue for the performance of classical music in Dublin.
‘Pianissimo: over a century of classical music at the RDS’ is a mixed media exhibition utilising material from the
RDS concert archive that will give a fascinating insight into the history of the performance of classical music in Dublin, while highlighting the support the RDS continues to offer to young musicians.
‘Pianissimo: over a century of classical music at the RDS’ will run in the RDS Library from May 7 to July 24, 2015.
Free admission to Dublin Piano Competition at RDS
RDS Members can avail of complimentary admission to the 10th International Dublin Piano Competition. The Competition will take place from May 15-26, 2015. As many as 60 young pianists will compete over four rounds to win this major international prize. The first and second rounds will be held in the RDS from May 15-21. Admission is free for RDS
Members for these rounds, on presentation of their Membership card at the box office in the RDS.
Sixty young pianists will take part in this prestigious international competition.
PIANO PRIZE
All information is correct at time of going to print. Members should telephone reception on 01 240 7296 or visit www.rds.ie to verify dates, times and locations.
28Bridge Classes with Peter Pigot (2 of 10) – 2.30pm to 4.30pm – Members’ Club
28Improvers’ Computer Classes with Deirdra Pickering, 10.45am - 12.15pm, Members’ Club, 2 of 5
RDS Bridge playing happens every Wednesday in the Library at 7:15pm. Members will be notified of any exceptions to this.
A lasting arts legacy
Born 100 years ago, Robin Lewis-Crosby was a distinguished Member and President of the RDS, and bequeathed a legacy to the Society that still remains.
Achartered accountant by training and a partner in Stokes Kennedy Crowley, Robin Lewis-Crosby had a busy professional life, which involved many directorships, including deputy Governor of the Bank of Ireland. Happily married to his wife Peggy, who predeceased him, he was also a distinguished lay member of the Church of Ireland and Lay Canon of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh.
As his centenary anniversary approaches, his son Antony Lewis-Crosby remembers him here and reflects on his contribution to the RDS, a Society he participated in at many levels. His lasting legacy is the RC Lewis-Crosby prize for painting, which he established and funded when chairman of the Taylor Art Trust, and to which he made an endowment to ensure its continuation after his death. Knowing the joy this gave his father, and now his family, who remain closely involved, Antony Lewis-Crosby encourages other members to consider remembering the RDS in this way and ensuring the Society’s continued contribution to future generations.
Distinguished service
“Before my father died in 2008, he made it quite clear that two parts of his life should be stressed at his funeral. Firstly, it was the Military Cross that he was awarded in the Second World War for distinguished service in the Royal Artillery in the Middle East, Italy and the Netherlands.
Secondly, it was his distinguished service to the RDS, which took various forms and was a large part of his life for 60 years. Despite a busy professional life as a chartered accountant and as Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ireland, he served on several committees and on the Council. He enjoyed his appointment, through the RDS, to serve on the Board of the National Gallery and the Alfred Beit Foundation. But he was immensely proud and honoured to be elected to be President of the RDS and he served for three years from 1983 to 1986 at a time of great change. In 2004 he was further honoured with Honorary Life Membership of the Society. The arts were always a key part of his life and he served as a Trustee on the Taylor Arts Trust for over 50 years. That, of course, meant that he took a deep interest in the RDS Student Art Awards and decided, a few years before he died, to create an award in his name –the RC Lewis-Crosby prize – particularly for painting, as he felt that
DEDICATION TO THE RDS
this traditional skill was not being reflected sufficiently in the student entries at the time.”
An enduring legacy
“He was also determined that the RC Lewis-Crosby prize should not cease when he died, and in his will he endowed a sum to be managed by the RDS for the RDS Student Art Awards and to ensure that the prize would continue. My sisters and I are delighted to work with the RDS to ensure that this legacy is maintained and developed, to the benefit of the RDS and of art students across the whole of Ireland.
There are many members of the RDS with similar dedication to the Society and its aims and objectives, and it would give me great pleasure to think that my father's example might spur someone else to consider leaving something in their will to ensure that the RDS can continue to thrive into the future.
We have been very happy with how the RDS has expertly managed the Fund bequeathed by my father, so what could be a better way, after looking after family and friends, to provide for the long-term future of the work of the RDS?”
Antony
Lewis-Crosby
Chairman,
Taylor Art Trust, and RDS Member
For further information on legacies, contact Criona Cullen on 01 668 0866, or via email at Criona@rds.ie.
Robin Lewis-Crosby presented with his Honorary Life Membership by then RDS President Michael Jacob, 2004
Dublin Horse Show hospitality
DUBLIN HORSE SHOW
Be sure to enjoy the benefits of the RDS Members’ Club during the week of the Show.
It may seem early to be thinking of August, but we find that the Horse Show always comes around sooner than expected. This year the Horse Show runs from Wednesday, August 5 until Sunday, August 9. Once again, we look
forward to welcoming all our Members coming from overseas and those from less far afield.
It’s a time when familiar faces return to relish the stylish ambience and atmosphere of the RDS Members’ Club. The
THOMAS PRIOR ROOM
Enjoy the hospitality of the RDS Members’ Club during Horse Show week, with a range of meeting and dining options available.
Club is open from 9.00am until 7.00pm each day, and until 6.00pm on Sunday, and if you feel like heading into the ‘great outdoors’, you can make your way to the Members’ Bar at the Main Arena for more hospitality directly overlooking
Open the door to reciprocal clubs
Were you skiiing in Switzerland this winter? Or does business take you through or to Zurich?
Club zum Rennweg is one of the RDS’ reciprocal clubs and is delighted to host RDS Members when they are in Switzerland. Perfectly located in the old town of Zurich, just a stone's throw from the famous Bahnhofstrasse (corner Rennweg and Fortunagasse), all you need is a letter of introduction from the RDS to gain access to this exclusive private club.
Club zum Rennweg prides itself on being one of the
premier venues for the Swiss economic, political, art and cultural crowds. Good food is assured, with lunch and dinner on offer. Regular evening events with speakers from Switzerland and abroad take place with Members and guests keen to contribute. Facilities include the Club restaurant and bar, the private Circle Room restaurant, and conference facilities.
Opening hours Monday to Friday: 11:30am to 11.00pm Saturday and Sunday: Closed
the course. The bar is open from 11.00am each day until 30 minutes after the end of the final event. Do remember that your membership card is required to gain entry. In addition, a range of dining options are available.
RDS
Members of the RDS must present their valid membership card and an introduction letter from the RDS. Please contact members@rds.ie or call 01 240 7296 for a letter of introduction.
LUXURY IN THE ALPS
Members can sample the luxurious surroundings of Club zum Rennweg in Zurich.
RDS developments
MICHAEL DUFFY reports on the plans for the Main Arena and the busy schedule of activity in the Society.
Following an international design competition, a jury appointed by the Society under the chairmanship of Professor Owen Lewis, selected architectural partners for the redevelopment of the Main Arena. The successful entry was a consortium of architect firms, Dublin-based Newenham Mulligan Architects and London-based Grimshaw Architects.
The jury was unanimous in their selection of the Newenham Mulligan/Grimshaw entry. Their winning concept represents an exciting design response to a complex brief. Entries had to accommodate professional rugby, world-class equestrianism and music concerts, in an already very busy events venue. These three elements were exceptionally well incorporated by the winning consortium, which stood out for its understanding of the multi-faceted nature of the development and vision for the RDS Arena.
The Society now enters a phase of discussion with interested parties including our own Equestrian Committee, Leinster Rugby, caterers, retailers, and supporters to finalise the design. Once that process is complete, a detailed cost for the project can be finalised. That will allow the Society to proceed to the funding and planning permission stages, which are anticipated to take until mid-2016.
Funding will be sought primarily from three streams: the Society’s own resources; sponsorship; and, Government support. The Society will be solely responsible for sourcing the funding and the project management phase of the development, the Main Arena being one of the prime assets of the RDS.
If the funding and planning permission phases progress as envisaged, construction on the new stand would commence after the Horse Show in 2016. Time taken to construct the Arena is likely to be around 18 months. Planning is proceeding, taking into account Leinster Rugby’s desire to continue to play their home matches at the RDS during construction.
The developments in the Main Arena (which would increase the capacity from 18,000 to 26,000) are in addition to a very busy agenda elsewhere for the Society. The existing planning permission for the second phase of office development (valid to 2019) will need to be amended to reflect the new market conditions. If this is approved, plans will be considered for this €40 million project. The first office block has been a notable success.
Naturally, our work on the 2015 Dublin Horse Show is already well
underway, while our commercial events at the RDS are well booked for this year. Our philanthropic work continues to grow successfully, increasing our impact in the arts, agriculture, industry and science, and you can read more about our work in this edition of Minerva
As a consequence of all of the above, the officers, committees, Members and staff have been working very hard to ensure that the Society makes progress on all fronts.
Survey of Members
Some of you may have spoken to the market research company Red C in late 2014. The survey results will give us a better insight into Members’ interaction with the Society, including important issues such as: communications with Members; Members’ participation; the mission of the Society; and, the Society’s work programme.
We have gained valuable information and will inform Members of the findings after we have presented the results to Council. Thank you to all who gave their time to participate.
Chief Executive, April 2015.
MAJOR PLANS FOR THE RDS
A front view of the proposed new stand for the Main Arena.
