Statement by Newry and Armagh TUV spokesperson Keith Ratcliffe:
“I am shocked to learn of the cancellation of the 2023 Around a Pound Tandragee 100 Road Race. While there is a larger issue affecting insurance for such races, which certainly needs to be addressed, most shocking at a local level has been the failure to gain a commitment for necessary road resurfacing works to be carried out.
“While I understand budgetary constraints mean things are tight, looking across the district it’s difficult to see where any of this budget has been spent, with potholes blighting many of our roads. Indeed, recent figures show that Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon District Council was the worst area in Northern Ireland for potholes, with 10,925 reported in 2022 – a 23% increase from 2021. This issue appears to be compounded by pothole repairs often not lasting, suggesting some sort of ‘cheap fix’ creating a false economy.
“The Tandragee 100 is the largest National Racing Grid in Northern Ireland, regularly attracting an international field in excess of 150 competitors each year. In addition to this, the road race attracts around 12,000 spectators to the Tandragee area. These crowds provide a welcome boost to local businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector. The North Armagh Motorcycle and Car Club should be applauded for their engagement with and promotion of local businesses in the area.
“Questions need to be asked as to why a commitment for these road resurfacing works, which equates to a necessary investment to support a wide range of local businesses, was not guaranteed. We will be pursuing this issue and offer our full support to North Armagh MCC.”