Motorsport receives investment for health and safety equipment
Motorsport in Northern Ireland is to benefit from a £187,000 investment to benefit health and safety equipment, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced.The equipment will be used at events such as motorbike road racing, car rallies, karting, hill climbs and at race tracks.Announcing the funding, the Minister 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."He highlighted the need to provide safer conditions for up and coming racers."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."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Belfast Telegraph
a day ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Northern Ireland's Paris heroes give back to local sporting clubs through Olympic Medallist Fund
Northern Irish athletes returned seven medals from France two years ago, including four golds, which has unlocked a significant amount of funding to be invested back into local sport. The Olympic Medallist Fund, which is distributed by Sport NI and made possible through funding from the Department for Communities, was split between the various athletes, with gold medals being awarded £20,000, silver getting £10,000 and bronze worth £5,000. Each athlete who won a medal was asked to select a club to award their funding to, with the money being used to fund new equipment and expand opportunities for people to participate in sport. All six of Daniel Wiffen (St Patrick's Grammar School), Rhys McClenaghan (Origin Gymnastics), Hannah Scott (Bann Rowing Club), Jack McMillan (Bangor Swimming Club), Rebecca Shorten (Methodist College Belfast Rowing Club) and Philip Doyle (Belfast Boat Club) were able to select clubs to allocate funding to. Minister for Sport Gordon Lyons commented: 'As Sports Minister it was a real privilege to cheer on our local athletes at last year's Paris Olympics. The incredible success of Daniel Wiffen, Rhys McClenaghan, Hannah Scott, Jack Milligan, Rebecca Shorten and Philip Doyle put Northern Ireland on the global stage. 'For a small nation, our athletes consistently punch above their weight, thanks to their dedication and sacrifices, and the unwavering support of coaches, school staff, families, and support teams. 'Through the Olympic Medallist Fund, these sporting heroes can give back to their communities and sports, creating pathways for greater participation and inspiring our future medallists. This also aligns with the goal of Active Living – Sport and Physical Activity Strategy for Northern Ireland to have 'More People More Active More Often'. 'It's been inspiring to see the impact of this funding at Rhys McClenaghan's Origin Gymnastics facility, which I'm confident will nurture our next future champion.' Sport NI;s interim chief executive Richard Archibald added: 'The six clubs and organisations chosen by our medallists were instrumental in their journey to the podium in Paris. With their support, equipment, time and expertise, they grew a love of sport within each of these athletes which turned into an Olympic medal years later. 'Our Paris medallists are an inspiration to young people within their communities and thanks to the Olympic Medallist Fund these organisations can now support other young people to achieve their potential in sport and hopefully follow in these medallists' footsteps.' Bangor Swimming Club will benefit from new poolside training and competition equipment; St Patricks Grammar School expanded their in-school gym for pupils; Methodist College Belfast Rowing Club can offer an elite junior sculler the chance to compete at international level with a competition sized single scull boat; Bann Rowing Club will add carbon fibre single sculls and oars; and Belfast Boat Club purchased new fitness equipment and support seats to allow people with disabilities to participate in rowing. Olympic gold medallist Rhys McClenaghan chose Origin Gymnastics in his hometown of Newtownards to receive £20,000 which has gone towards new equipment to expand the opportunities for beginners in the sport. "I feel like this grant gave me the responsibility to leave a legacy after my Olympic win. I couldn't think of a better way to leave a legacy than to donate the money to the fastest growing gymnastics club in the country, Origin Gymnastics,' said McClenaghan. "This will hopefully allow young gymnasts to follow in my foot steps and give them opportunities and equipment that I didn't have growing up in this sport. Origin offers a sense of community in my home town of Newtownards and gives everybody in the local area a true love for the sport of gymnastics." Luke Carson, chief executive and founder of Origin Gymnastics, as well as McClenaghan's coach, added: "Rhys has always been a shining example for our local community – his journey is a testament to the power of dedication, resilience, and chasing your dreams. "I was genuinely honoured when he chose Origin as the recipient of this funding. As a new gymnastics club in the heart of Ards, we're passionate about showing why gymnastics is a sport every child should have the chance to experience. "This funding has enabled us to invest in new equipment, helping us raise the bar even further in what we can offer to our members."
Belfast Telegraph
4 days ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Highly anticipated £70m Bangor project set to finally begin this month after decades of delay
Queen's Parade has lain largely derelict for decades, despite plans for a major redevelopment scheme, and been described as an "eyesore". Talk of regenerating the deteriorating seafront, which was once the hub of the seaside city, has been going on for nearly 30 years, with the last delay caused by concerns over flooding. A seemingly endless series of problems had left both politicians and the public questioning if the work would ever happen. The project will include new homes, a hotel, offices, a market plaza, retail, cafes and restaurants. Making the announcement, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: 'I am delighted to announce that work on the much-awaited Queen's Parade development scheme is set to commence later this month. 'I wish to put on record my thanks to all the officials in my department whose hard work and commitment have made it possible for this important project to begin. 'After years of expectation, this scheme will be transformational for Bangor. 'When combined with the substantial £72.8m investment in Bangor's Waterfront through the Belfast Region City Deal, this is the start of a bright future for the city. I look forward to seeing the positive impact these projects will have for years to come.' He thanked the local council for their support. 'Projects of this nature are extremely complex, and I would like to convey my appreciation to all of our partners including Ards and North Down Borough Council, in particular the Mayor, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, colleagues in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Bangor Marine and the people of Bangor for their tireless support. This is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved.' The Mayor of Ards and North Down Borough Council, Alistair Cathcart, said he is eager to see the work beginning. 'As Mayor and as a Bangorian, I am very pleased that we have now cleared the final legal complexities to enable work to start on Marine Gardens in June. This is an important and positive milestone to recognise, and I would add my thanks to all those involved in the negotiations for their hard work and dedication to the process,' he said. 'However, like many Bangor residents I will only be fully satisfied when there are 'diggers on site'. The Bangor Marine contractors need some time to mobilise now that all agreements are in place, but I will be pushing for that work to start as soon as possible. 'Bangor has been waiting for this for a long time and deserves both the investment and the regenerative potential that it will release for the city. I hope residents and business will be reassured by the Minister's update and engage positively with the scheme when work on site begins in the coming weeks.' Bangor Marine secured UK Government funding of £9.8m for the Marine Gardens public realm element of the Queen's Parade regeneration project, which will include a new play park, two pavilions, kiosks with food and beverage offerings, an events space, and associated landscaping. Bangor Marine aims to have construction completed on this part by July 2026. Aran Blackbourne of Bangor Marine Ltd said: 'We are delighted that all the legal documents are now agreed and we can now confidently move forward with the Queen's Parade redevelopment project with Oakland Holdings as our joint venture partner. 'We look forward to working with all parties to deliver this very exciting and important regeneration scheme for Bangor.' News Catch Up - Tuesday 3 June Alliance North Down MLAs also praised the announcement. Connie Egan said: 'This announcement from the Communities Minister is long-awaited news and is a positive step forward in boosting Bangor's potential to attract both economic and tourist opportunities.' 'We have witnessed continuous delays to this project, and Alliance, alongside many constituents, have continued to call for the prioritisation of this investment. 'Queen's Parade is one of Bangor's main streets overlooking the seafront. However, this area has been left to deteriorate for years and has become a huge eyesore, overshadowing the beautiful views of our shoreline. 'This is only the beginning of a lengthy process, and after years of false promises, the people of Bangor won't believe it until they see it. 'We now need to see the work started imminently so the redevelopment of Queen's Parade can begin as soon as possible.' Environment Minister Andrew Muir added: 'I'm pleased to hear that work on Queen's Parade is finally set to begin. However, this has come at the cost of continued disappointment among constituents who have witnessed numerous false starts on the project for decades. 'I am proud to have been born and bred in Bangor, but for years the city hasn't been able to reach its potential due to the continued delays to this project. 'There is a long road ahead to deliver a rejuvenated Queen's Parade, and in Alliance, we will continue to work hard to get the long-awaited redevelopment delivered. "This investment will not only enhance our seafront area but also positively impact tourism in Bangor and our local economy.'
Belfast Telegraph
4 days ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Flagship £70m Bangor project set to finally begin this month after decades of delay
Queen's Parade has lain largely derelict for decades, despite plans for a major redevelopment scheme, and been described as an "eyesore". Talk of regenerating the deteriorating seafront, which was once the hub of the seaside city, has been going on for nearly 30 years, with the last delay caused by concerns over flooding. A seemingly endless series of problems had left both politicians and the public questioning if the work would ever happen. The project will include new homes, a hotel, offices, a market plaza, retail, cafes and restaurants. Making the announcement, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: 'I am delighted to announce that work on the much-awaited Queen's Parade development scheme is set to commence later this month. 'I wish to put on record my thanks to all the officials in my department whose hard work and commitment have made it possible for this important project to begin. 'After years of expectation, this scheme will be transformational for Bangor. 'When combined with the substantial £72.8m investment in Bangor's Waterfront through the Belfast Region City Deal, this is the start of a bright future for the city. I look forward to seeing the positive impact these projects will have for years to come.' He thanked the local council for their support. 'Projects of this nature are extremely complex, and I would like to convey my appreciation to all of our partners including Ards and North Down Borough Council, in particular the Mayor, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, colleagues in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Bangor Marine and the people of Bangor for their tireless support. This is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved.' The Mayor of Ards and North Down Borough Council, Alistair Cathcart, said he is eager to see the work beginning. 'As Mayor and as a Bangorian, I am very pleased that we have now cleared the final legal complexities to enable work to start on Marine Gardens in June. This is an important and positive milestone to recognise, and I would add my thanks to all those involved in the negotiations for their hard work and dedication to the process,' he said. 'However, like many Bangor residents I will only be fully satisfied when there are 'diggers on site'. The Bangor Marine contractors need some time to mobilise now that all agreements are in place, but I will be pushing for that work to start as soon as possible. 'Bangor has been waiting for this for a long time and deserves both the investment and the regenerative potential that it will release for the city. I hope residents and business will be reassured by the Minister's update and engage positively with the scheme when work on site begins in the coming weeks.' Bangor Marine secured UK Government funding of £9.8m for the Marine Gardens public realm element of the Queen's Parade regeneration project, which will include a new play park, two pavilions, kiosks with food and beverage offerings, an events space, and associated landscaping. Bangor Marine aims to have construction completed on this part by July 2026. Aran Blackbourne of Bangor Marine Ltd said: 'We are delighted that all the legal documents are now agreed and we can now confidently move forward with the Queen's Parade redevelopment project with Oakland Holdings as our joint venture partner. 'We look forward to working with all parties to deliver this very exciting and important regeneration scheme for Bangor.' News Catch Up - Tuesday 3 June Alliance North Down MLAs also praised the announcement. Connie Egan said: 'This announcement from the Communities Minister is long-awaited news and is a positive step forward in boosting Bangor's potential to attract both economic and tourist opportunities.' 'We have witnessed continuous delays to this project, and Alliance, alongside many constituents, have continued to call for the prioritisation of this investment. 'Queen's Parade is one of Bangor's main streets overlooking the seafront. However, this area has been left to deteriorate for years and has become a huge eyesore, overshadowing the beautiful views of our shoreline. 'This is only the beginning of a lengthy process, and after years of false promises, the people of Bangor won't believe it until they see it. 'We now need to see the work started imminently so the redevelopment of Queen's Parade can begin as soon as possible.' Environment Minister Andrew Muir added: 'I'm pleased to hear that work on Queen's Parade is finally set to begin. However, this has come at the cost of continued disappointment among constituents who have witnessed numerous false starts on the project for decades. 'I am proud to have been born and bred in Bangor, but for years the city hasn't been able to reach its potential due to the continued delays to this project. 'There is a long road ahead to deliver a rejuvenated Queen's Parade, and in Alliance, we will continue to work hard to get the long-awaited redevelopment delivered. "This investment will not only enhance our seafront area but also positively impact tourism in Bangor and our local economy.'
