Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I raise the issue of MotorCycling Ireland’s insurance cover. I believe it wrote to the Taoiseach. I have seen copies of letters it wrote. A number of cycling clubs in Ireland lost the ability to obtain insurance for this season.

The governing body, Offroad Motorsport UK, informed staff in 2022 that no insurance company would cover any of the Twenty-six Counties. The Taoiseach and I know that very many valuable and entertaining races are held all over the country. What is the difference between horse racing, greyhound racing and everything else? Those involved have been treated like second-class citizens. There is a huge spin-off for the businesses and areas involved, and indeed for bike enthusiasts, who spend money, on which they pay tax, on tyres, engines, parts and maintenance. They have written to the Taoiseach. The season should now be cranking up and they need to get the insurance. I ask the Taoiseach to intervene to assist them in getting insurance, which they have always got. Their events are run in a safe manner and are well policed and organised. They bring a great benefit to local areas.

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