SDLP East Derry MLA Cara Hunter has welcomed news that the North West 200 will go ahead this year.

Road racing looked set to be called off due to high insurance costs.

Ms Hunter said the news would be a welcome boost to people on the North Coast and further afield.

East Derry MLA Ms Hunter said:

“The cancellation of the road racing programme for 2023 devastated people right across the North Coast and further afield. Many businesses here rely on the people that these events attract to the area and thousands look forward to them taking place every year. The outcry prompted by the announcement that these events would not take place shows just how much it means to people here.

“I’m delighted that a solution has been found that will allow the North West 200 and other events to go ahead this year. This is good news not just for road racing fans, but for the local economy which stands to benefit from millions being spent in our hotels, bars, restaurants and other local businesses who love to see these events taking place and the buzz that they bring with them.

“Going forward I believe that we need to look at long-term funding solutions that will allow people right across the North to enjoy road racing for generations to come. These events are part of the fabric of this area and for many they are the highlight of the year. I will continue to support our road racing community and work with organisers to ensure that we don’t find ourselves in this position again in future.”