'Improved safety procedures needed' for motorbike racing in Ireland

Date: 18/5/2010

The Motorcycle Union of Ireland will be conducting a review on motorbike road racing safety procedures.

Sports Minister Nelson McCausland, who has previously written to the authority calling for more safety measures, welcomed the news.

He remarked: "It is equally vital that lessons are learned and that safety is now seen to be given top priority by the [Ulster Centre] and the organisers of events in terms of design, operation and management of races."

Mr McCausland added it is essential to the future of the sport that the organisation takes criticisms regarding protection issues on board and it needs to ensure safety decisions are independent of promoter interest.

He also noted the consultation needs a conclusion as a matter of urgency as the new racing season is fast approaching.

Mr McCausland was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2003 and the former science teacher was appointed Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure in June 2009.