Top ministers back Balmoral Show and North West 200

The return of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society’s Balmoral Show and the North West 200 Race Week Festival will provide a welcome boost for the Northern Ireland economy, according to First Minister David Trimble and Deputy First Minister Mark Durkan.

The Ministers were speaking following visits to the Balmoral Show and the practice sessions for the North West 200, where they met riders and started one of the races.

Mr Trimble said: “The Balmoral Show is a key event in the agriculture calendar and provides a unique showcase for an important industry. An estimated 60,000 visitors will visit the show over the 3 days generating around £5 million.

“In addition, the North West 200 is expected to give a boost of around £6 million to the Northern Ireland economy, a boost that is much needed. Through our Programme for Government we are committed to promoting Northern Ireland as a tourist destination and key events such as the North West are a major factor in our campaign to attract visitors.”

Mr Durkan said: “The agriculture industry has looked forward to the opportunities offered by this year’s Balmoral Show and I was pleased to see the tremendous support, in terms of the number of visitors attending. The Northern Ireland Executive is committed to working to regenerate the rural economy, which impacts on many people in Northern Ireland.

“With around 120,000 people expected to visit the beautiful North Coast on race day, the North West 200 is the largest outdoor sporting event in Ireland. This is a great opportunity to bring together people from all communities in Northern Ireland and indeed, from much further afield, through sport. Some sectors of our economy have suffered over the past year and through exciting events such as the North West 200 and the Balmoral Show, we can help ourselves get back on the road to prosperity.”

Due to the Foot and Mouth Outbreak in 2001, both the North West 200 and the Balmoral Show had to be cancelled.

The Ministers expressed their satisfaction that two key events in the Northern Ireland social and tourist calendar were back, apparently stronger than ever.

(SP)