Infrastructure spokesperson Cathal Boylan MLA has welcomed a review into legislation that has put a disproportionate financial burden on road running events.  

“A law brought in three years ago on road closures has meant that a number of road running events cannot keep up with the costs of traffic management.

“Fewer events are applying for permits as a result of this change.

“Most recently this has affected the Dark Hedges half marathon in Antrim.”

The Newry and Armagh MLA continued:

“At the Infrastructure Committee I raised the need for the legislation to be amended so this burden can be lifted from the organisers, and particularly for smaller events.

“This one sized fits all approach for road racing traffic management is impacting local communities.

“I welcome a review initiated by the Department for Infrastructure to look at the impact of this legislation.

“I look forward to taking part in this review and encourage others affected by it to do so as well.

“We need to amend this legislation so that events like the Dark Hedges half marathon can thrive once again.”