Menu
16/02/2023
Funding Clarification Needed For NI Sporting Events
The Alliance Party has called for urgent clarification from the UK government on funding to support major sporting events in NI.
Alliance Sport and Community Development Spokesperson David Honeyford and former Vice Chair of the Committee for Communities Kellie Armstrong, made the call following the news that the North West 200 motorcycle race – NI's largest outdoor sporting event – is unlikely to take place in 2023 or future years due to the hike in public liability insurance.
On Monday (13 February) Kellie and David met with the All Party Group on Sports to discuss the future of the event, as well as wider issues within the sports sector.
Speaking after the meeting, David Honeyford said: "Substantial increases to insurance costs is putting major sporting events in jeopardy across NI.
"We heard from Mervyn Whyte at the All Party Group on Sports, who outlined the necessity for government intervention if motorcycle racing is to go ahead this year or in future years.
"Mervyn went on to confirm how failing to deliver high profile sporting events will lead to issues in terms of sponsorship for riders, hindering the development of the sport going forward and inevitably letting down a great many fans, which would be a real shame."
Kellie Armstrong MLA added: "During my work on the Committee for Communities we heard time and again how much the sports sector needs investment to be able to host and hold large events.
"As well as showcasing the sport, events bring income into to the local council area, encourages tourism, and promotes NI as a travel destination.
"As well as enquiring into whether the Permanent Secretary has the power to release investment if it is available, we have also written to the Department for Communities to seek clarification regarding financial support for large spectator events, partnership working with councils, and the economic impact to areas that will no longer enjoy the benefit such large events bring."
Alliance Sport and Community Development Spokesperson David Honeyford and former Vice Chair of the Committee for Communities Kellie Armstrong, made the call following the news that the North West 200 motorcycle race – NI's largest outdoor sporting event – is unlikely to take place in 2023 or future years due to the hike in public liability insurance.
On Monday (13 February) Kellie and David met with the All Party Group on Sports to discuss the future of the event, as well as wider issues within the sports sector.
Speaking after the meeting, David Honeyford said: "Substantial increases to insurance costs is putting major sporting events in jeopardy across NI.
"We heard from Mervyn Whyte at the All Party Group on Sports, who outlined the necessity for government intervention if motorcycle racing is to go ahead this year or in future years.
"Mervyn went on to confirm how failing to deliver high profile sporting events will lead to issues in terms of sponsorship for riders, hindering the development of the sport going forward and inevitably letting down a great many fans, which would be a real shame."
Kellie Armstrong MLA added: "During my work on the Committee for Communities we heard time and again how much the sports sector needs investment to be able to host and hold large events.
"As well as showcasing the sport, events bring income into to the local council area, encourages tourism, and promotes NI as a travel destination.
"As well as enquiring into whether the Permanent Secretary has the power to release investment if it is available, we have also written to the Department for Communities to seek clarification regarding financial support for large spectator events, partnership working with councils, and the economic impact to areas that will no longer enjoy the benefit such large events bring."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 August 2011
Sports' Troublemakers To Face Jail
Sectarian chanting, or even staging a 'pitch invasion' at a soccer match is to attract a fine of up to £1,000. Possession of fireworks or flares at a match may also mean a sentence of imprisonment of up to three months as new laws to improve spectator behaviour at major sporting events come into force today.
Sports' Troublemakers To Face Jail
Sectarian chanting, or even staging a 'pitch invasion' at a soccer match is to attract a fine of up to £1,000. Possession of fireworks or flares at a match may also mean a sentence of imprisonment of up to three months as new laws to improve spectator behaviour at major sporting events come into force today.
01 October 2024
PRONI Launches New Guide To Sporting Records
To commemorate National Sporting Heritage Day, the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) has released a new guide to its sporting records collection. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons encouraged researchers to explore the Alphabetical Index to Sports Records at PRONI.
PRONI Launches New Guide To Sporting Records
To commemorate National Sporting Heritage Day, the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) has released a new guide to its sporting records collection. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons encouraged researchers to explore the Alphabetical Index to Sports Records at PRONI.
19 October 2011
Derry Sports Centre Given Green Light
A multi-million pound plan to upgrade the leisure facilities in Londonderry's Waterside has been approved after a meeting with Derry City Council's Development Committee. The plans will see a new sports campus constructed at St Columb's Park in a bid to move various sporting interests to one site.
Derry Sports Centre Given Green Light
A multi-million pound plan to upgrade the leisure facilities in Londonderry's Waterside has been approved after a meeting with Derry City Council's Development Committee. The plans will see a new sports campus constructed at St Columb's Park in a bid to move various sporting interests to one site.
08 April 2009
Maze Stadium Plan Officially 'Dead'
The Maze Stadium plan is officially cancelled. The Stormont Executive's First Minister and Deputy First Minister today announced that the mooted MLK Masterplan won't now proceed in its original proposed form.
Maze Stadium Plan Officially 'Dead'
The Maze Stadium plan is officially cancelled. The Stormont Executive's First Minister and Deputy First Minister today announced that the mooted MLK Masterplan won't now proceed in its original proposed form.
31 October 2006
Sports and political parties unite over Maze stadium plan
The Maze/Long Kesh monitoring group has today had its first face to face meeting with representatives from the three main sports bodies in Northern Ireland. The event was hosted by David Hanson MP, Minister responsible for the development of the former prison site.
Sports and political parties unite over Maze stadium plan
The Maze/Long Kesh monitoring group has today had its first face to face meeting with representatives from the three main sports bodies in Northern Ireland. The event was hosted by David Hanson MP, Minister responsible for the development of the former prison site.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
