Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As I have said, last week, Motorsport Ireland was informed that the major sports event unit would need another six months to process its application. This is shameful. How did this happen? As a result of the time delays, Ireland will no longer be considered, which represents a major blow to Motorsport Ireland, Limerick and the wider community. It is simply not acceptable that Motorsport Ireland was met with nearly complete silence from the Department and from the Minister of State. It is the duty of the Minister of State and his Department to engage with and be supportive of all national governing bodies. Their failure to do so with Motorsport Ireland represents an unforgivably squandered opportunity for Limerick. The World Rally Championship was supposed to come to Limerick and showcase our wonderful county. Limerick people are becoming well used to a Government that is out of touch and out of road with no ambition and no energy. The Government has shown utter contempt for this application. As I have said, it is a missed opportunity.

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