Cycling Ireland has launched its first three "hubs" for use by cycling clubs. Just three have been opened so far, with another three to follow in the New Year, all in Northern Ireland.
The "hubs" - which are effectively small premises fashioned from shipping containers - are use by other sports all over the country as changing areas, storing rooms and meeting rooms. But this project is the first time they have been launched by Cycling Ireland.
The hub premises have been put in place on conjunction with Cycling Ulster and all are located in Northern Ireland as the funding has been supplied by the authorities in the North.
The first three cycling hubs, which have just been opened are located at: Causeway Coast and Glens, Jim Watt Sports Centre, Garvagh; Fermanagh and Omagh, Eccellesville Centre, Fintona, Omagh; Newry Mourne and Down, Downpatrick Leisure Centre, Downpatrick.
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Next year a further three new hubs will be added in the council areas, Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon, Mid Ulster and Antrim and Newtownabbey.
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Cycling Ireland said they would be used for the "delivery of coach education programmes, participation programmes, partnership activities including bike maintenance and bike safety initiatives".
Regional and national development training can also be provided at the hubs which will be "available for cycling clubs to utilise for their own club programmes, club events or club initiatives". Access will be free of charge to affiliated cycling clubs and other groups. They must be booked in advance and you can reserve your slot by following this link.
Cycling Ulster chairman, Tommy McCague, said said his association was "delighted" to announce the opening of the first three hubs, which are being fuded by the Department for Communities
"The cycling hubs will be a huge asset to clubs in Ulster as they will be able to avail of the hubs free of charge for delivering various programmes and initiatives," Mr McCauge said.
"This is a very exciting development and investment for Cycling in Ulster and I would like to acknowledge the support and investment received from the Department of Communities for the cycling hubs project."
