Claire Sugden praises Executive investment in NW2000

East Londonderry MLA welcomes the £124,000 made available by the Department of Communities

Claire Sugden has welcomed Executive funding to improve safety measures at the North West 200.  Ms Sugden added that she was pleased that safety equipment will also be shared with other event organisers in the Causeway area.  

The Justice Minister said "Road racing is part of our heritage on the North Coast; thousands enjoy the experience every year."  She added that The North West makes a big contribution to tourism and promotes Northern ireland as a genuine sporting venue.

Ms Sugden pointed out that road racing is not without risks.  In recent years, there have been incidents where the safety of competitors and spectators has been compromised, for example rioder Malachi Mitchell-Thomas died at the 2016 event.

Sports Minister announces funding of £124,000 towards improved safety measures for the @northwest200 https://t.co/o1ZF1fe0hv pic.twitter.com/1MRYRSxq5a

— Communities NI (@CommunitiesNI) October 17, 2016

 Ms Sugden said she was happy to see extra funding go to help to minimise risk by purchasing safety equipment, improving the paddocks area and installing a new warning light system.

She said "I am pleased that these safety measures will be shared by other event organisers in the Causeway area and I look forward to seeing the benefits of this. This is an area of outstanding natural beauty and brimming with tourism potential which we must continue to develop."