Armoy to have new scrambling track?

Bill Kennedy of the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club has written to Moyle Council about the possibility of getting an area for scrambling at Limepark.

Mr Kennedy said the club would like to acquire land at Limepark between the River Bush and rugby club ground by way of lease or other means “for the purposes of organised scrambling”.

He added: “Our club in Armoy has grown and an off-road section is being formed under the umbrella of the main club. Their intention would be to promote a scramble at Limepark during bike week in Armoy and possibly other club events.

‘The Club will ensure that all riders using this land will be properly insured at all times when using their bikes. We as a Club believe there is great potential at this venue as there are many young riders competing at a high level of scrambling from the Moyle area and more organised events in Moyle could only be good for all concerned,’ said Mr Kennedy’s letter.

When the letter was tabled at a meeting of Moyle Council, Independent councillor Price McConaghy said it was “very worthwhile” and said it should be further examined.

Sinn Fein councillor Cathal Newcombe said there are 26 acres at Limepark and he wondered how much land is needed.

Council officer Kevin McGarry said about a quarter of the area is regarded as “waste ground”.

Sinn Fein councillor Oliver McMullan said discussions should take place with Armoy Rugby Club on the matter.

Cllr Randal McDonnell (Independent) said there was scrambling before and after neighbours objected it had to be banned.

Council Chairperson, Cllr Cara McShane (Sinn Fein), wondered if the scrambling would only take place during the Armoy Road Races week and Cllr Catherine McCambridge (SDLP) said they would have to see if the plan was to hold events at other times of the year as well.

Cllr McDonnell added: “I think we are going to have unhappiness over the head of it.”

Cllr McMullan said such issues would be up to the Motorcycle Club and noise abatement.

Council Vice-Chairperson, Cllr Robert McIlroy (DUP), said scrambling draws a lot of people and a lot of space is needed.

Kevin McGarry said Bill Kennedy thought there would be more than adequate space at Limepark.

Sinn Fein councillor Paudie McShane said the Council should further examine the proposal and Cllr Madeline Black (SDLP) said it could further enhance the Armoy Road Races.

Cllr Cara McShane said that what ever happens the support of the Armoy community is essential.