Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced funding of £187,000 to enable the motorsports sector to benefit from health and safety equipment.
Announcing the funding, Minister Lyons said: “Motorsports have always been part of Northern Ireland’s world class sporting legacy, attracting riders and spectators from across the globe to events such as the North West 200 and other road racing circuits every year.
“This funding will go towards the purchase of safety bales which can be shared across the sector at road races and other events into the future, helping to make these races as safe as possible. The sector will also benefit from investment in other safety equipment, improving safety at race events and for those participating in track days.”
Minister Lyons met with representatives from the governing bodies for motorsports in Northern Ireland to hear more about how the equipment will be used at events such as motorbike road racing, car rallies, karting, hill climbs and at race tracks.
Minister Lyons highlighted the need to provide safer conditions for up and coming racers, saying: “We have some of the best motorsport talent in the world here in Northern Ireland and local races and circuits are important to develop their careers. While the danger remains present, as it always will at high speeds, this funding, distributed through Sport NI, will boost rider and driver safety as well as the safety of teams, officials and visitors.”
Having photographed and written about motorsports for over two decades, there is always a familiar face standing on the ditches at a Rally or Hillclimb, at the North West 200, or around the Armco of a racing track, and that’s former councillor, Stephen Dunne.
Now an MLA, this motorsport fanatic is our sports true voice within Stormont, and on the announcement of this huge motorsport investment, Mr Dunne states, “I am delighted that this very welcome investment has been delivered, which will make a real difference to promote safety across local motorsport.
“I am pleased to have worked alongside the Communities Minister Gordon Lyons to ensure motorsports will benefit from this announcement. As a lifelong motorsport enthusiast I very much recognise the value that motorsport brings to so many across Northern Ireland.
“We have such a rich sporting heritage within Motorsport which we can be very proud of, with many successful local competitors reaching the very top at international level. Hopefully this investment will ensure improved safety on our roads and race circuits in the years ahead.
Continuing, “Motorsport events are often run by dedicated volunteers, and would not happen without their commitment and dedication. It is important that the Executive supports this important sector including some of the most iconic motorsport events including the North West 200, Circuit of Ireland Rally and many more events which are loved across the World.”
