No motorcycle racing in Ireland due to high insurance costs

Championship motorcycle road racing will not take place in the Republic of Ireland for the third year in a row as costs of insurance cover soar to €720,000.

As up to 3,000 bikers prepare to take part in the biggest gathering of bikes for charity on Sunday in Kells, Co Meath, it was revealed that the town again can't hold its road races due to the lack of affordable insurance cover.

Since 2023, there have been no motorcycling road races in Kells or Cork, Athea in Limerick or in Skerries because clubs don't have the funds to meet the costs.

Motorcycling Ireland's road race convenor Diarmaid Corcoran said the clubs were "fighting a long battle" to get races including trials, motocross and endurance disciplines back in the Republic.

"The insurance costs, which are split between the disciplines, are far beyond even our fundraising ventures," he said.

"Last year we couldn't meet the insurance quote of €650,000 and it has risen to €720,000 this year. It's just not possible for clubs to afford this with minimal government funding.

"It's very frustrating, especially as the races are ongoing in Northern Ireland but insurance companies won't touch the Republic anymore because of the complex legal system in regard to accidents.

"We haven't had road racing in the Republic since 2022 when insurance cost €200,000 for the year so in three years, the insurance has almost quadrupled."

Mr Corcoran added that the lack of road racing was affecting the younger generations who weren't being afforded the chance to race.

"There are about 2000 race licence holders in the Republic who are unable to race here and it is stopping new talent from getting into motorcycling sports.

"There will be no races for the foreseeable but we haven't given up