Menu
25/05/2004
North West 200 generates £5.6m for local economy
An estimated £5.6 million was injected into the local economy last weekend thanks to North West 200 motorcycle races.
This figure was revealed to former Sports Minister Michael McGimpsey in a written question presented at Westminster by his party colleague, South Antrim MP David Burnside.
Mr McGimpsey said the estimate, based on a projection calculated from previous years, gives local people a measure of how significant the North-West is in terms of generating revenue in the tourism sector and for local businesses.
“We don’t always appreciate what a jewel in the crown the North-West is not only for Northern Ireland but for our image right across the world. It is now one of the major sporting occasions anywhere in the British Isles," the South Belfast MLA said.
“What must now be seriously addressed is how best we can protect the event which has been highly successfully developed into a week-long biking extravaganza which attracts bikers and road racing fans from all over the world."
The South Belfast MLA has called on the Government to consider a special dispensation for the event permitting organisers to charge entrance admission to a section of the course.
"Granted the NW is run on public roads but if it is to be safeguarded we must be looking at ways of bringing in money to those who stage it in order to ensure it is not left under funded," Mr McGimpsey concluded.
(MB)
This figure was revealed to former Sports Minister Michael McGimpsey in a written question presented at Westminster by his party colleague, South Antrim MP David Burnside.
Mr McGimpsey said the estimate, based on a projection calculated from previous years, gives local people a measure of how significant the North-West is in terms of generating revenue in the tourism sector and for local businesses.
“We don’t always appreciate what a jewel in the crown the North-West is not only for Northern Ireland but for our image right across the world. It is now one of the major sporting occasions anywhere in the British Isles," the South Belfast MLA said.
“What must now be seriously addressed is how best we can protect the event which has been highly successfully developed into a week-long biking extravaganza which attracts bikers and road racing fans from all over the world."
The South Belfast MLA has called on the Government to consider a special dispensation for the event permitting organisers to charge entrance admission to a section of the course.
"Granted the NW is run on public roads but if it is to be safeguarded we must be looking at ways of bringing in money to those who stage it in order to ensure it is not left under funded," Mr McGimpsey concluded.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 September 2018
Up To 100 Roads Closed As Storm Ali Hits NI
A growing number of roads across Northern Ireland are closed due to adverse weather conditions as a result of Storm Ali.
Up To 100 Roads Closed As Storm Ali Hits NI
A growing number of roads across Northern Ireland are closed due to adverse weather conditions as a result of Storm Ali.
04 May 2005
Candidate declares South Belfast a ‘two-horse’ race
UUP Westminster candidate Michael McGimpsey has claimed he is “forging ahead” of DUP opponent Jimmy Spratt in the race to garner unionist votes in South Belfast.
Candidate declares South Belfast a ‘two-horse’ race
UUP Westminster candidate Michael McGimpsey has claimed he is “forging ahead” of DUP opponent Jimmy Spratt in the race to garner unionist votes in South Belfast.
15 May 2012
£800,000 Drugs Seized In Derry
SDLP Foyle MLA, Colum Eastwood, has welcomed the seizure of £800,000 worth of drugs in Derry. The discovery was made by police on the Glengalliagh Road at about 7 o'clock on Monday evening. A man has been arrested. Mr Eastwood said the size of the haul was significant.
£800,000 Drugs Seized In Derry
SDLP Foyle MLA, Colum Eastwood, has welcomed the seizure of £800,000 worth of drugs in Derry. The discovery was made by police on the Glengalliagh Road at about 7 o'clock on Monday evening. A man has been arrested. Mr Eastwood said the size of the haul was significant.
02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
29 September 2021
Over 400,000 Spend Local Applications Complete On Day One
More than 400,000 applications for the Spend Local were completed on the first day of the scheme, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced, describing the response as "formidable". The portal for applications to the High Street Scheme opened on Monday.
Over 400,000 Spend Local Applications Complete On Day One
More than 400,000 applications for the Spend Local were completed on the first day of the scheme, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced, describing the response as "formidable". The portal for applications to the High Street Scheme opened on Monday.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Another cloudy and mild night with the odd spot of light drizzle. More widespread outbreaks of rain will spread southeast into western parts of Tyrone, Fermanagh and Derry late in the night. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
