Sinn Féin spokesperson on Sport, Chris Andrews TD, has said that the Minister for Sport, Thomas Byrne, has shown contempt for the motorsport community by his failure to engage with and back Motorsport Ireland’s bid to host a round of the FIA World Rally Championship.

He added that despite repeated requests from Motorsport Ireland for feedback on their application, and requests to meet the Minister, they were met with almost complete silence, representing an unforgivable squandered opportunity by government.

Teachta Andrews said:

“Thomas Byrne has shown utter contempt for the motorsport community by his repeated failure to engage with Motorsport Ireland following their submission for Ireland to host a round of the FIA World Rally Championship.

“Motorsport Ireland made their proposal to Minister Byrne in June 2023.

“They outlined their plans to showcase Ireland on the world stage by bringing the World Rally Championships to Ireland for a three year period.

“They did as the Minister advised, and submitted an application to the Major Sport Events Unit last October.

“And despite repeated requests for feedback on their application, and requests to meet the Minister, they were met with almost complete silence.

“This week they were informed that the Major Sport Events Unit would need another six months to process their application.

“As a result of this time delay, Ireland will no longer be considered for a round of the World Rally Championships in 2025.

“This news represents a major blow to Motorsport Ireland, the south-east, and the wider community.

“It is simply not acceptable that Motorsport Ireland were met with near complete silence from the Department and the Minister.

“It is the duty of the Minister and his Department to engage with and be supportive of all national governing bodies.

“Their failure to do so with Motorsport Ireland represents an unforgivable squandered opportunity.”