The dispute between the cycling community on one side and the Garda and some councils on the other is worsening and is threatening the future of the sport (Photo: Amy-Norah Farrell)
With a number of open races either cancelled or run on modified courses in recent months due to a growing dispute about road closures in the Meath-Fingal area, Cycling Ireland has called an open meeting to brief members on the worrying situation.
The federation said given the level discussion about the issue, it was also keen to hear feedback from the grassroots.
The problem has been building for a couple of years, but in recent months Fingal County Council and the Garda have insisted clubs running races in the council’s catchment area apply for road closures.
While the council has insisted no fee will be charged and that marshals will have a much stronger hand from a legal perspective, many in the cycling community believe acceding to the pressure being applied will create a dangerous precedent.
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Some clubs believe while Fingal County Council has agreed to waive any road closure fees, such charges will be introduced once the precedent has been established and will be prohibitive.
Others also believe a cap may be put on the number of races that can be held in particular areas and that bike races will begin to compete for fixture dates with triathlon.
The cancellation of Balbriggan CC's races in March won't be the last time events are pulled unless the road closure row with the authorities is resolved (Photo: Amy-Norah Farrell)
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While worst in the Fingal area, the road closures issue has also arisen in Kildare and Meath.
And as well as affecting open races, some events run by the Irish Veterans’ Cycling Association have been impacted.
The most high profile casualty of the row has come in the shape of the cancellation of a weekend of racing normally promoted by Balbriggan CC in late March that includes the Ben McKenna, Jazzer Wherity and Harry Reynolds memorials.
Cycling Ireland has today issued a statement saying it intends to hold an open meeting on the issue on Thursday of next week, May 14th, at 7.30pm at the City North Hotel off the M1 in Gormanstown; exit 7.
“The purpose of the meeting is to provide an update on recent developments with road races and requests for road closures in the Fingal-Meath area,” the statement said.
“There has been a lot of discussions and meetings on this topic over the last few months with the various relevant parties.
“We would like to hear your feedback and also outline how this issue will be managed via our work with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and relevant state agencies.
“We will have representatives from both our legal and insurance team at the meeting.”
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