Northern Ireland Sprucing Itself Up For The Big Race

There is a definite sound of cash being splashed in Northern Ireland this week, with news that the princely sum of £145,000 is being split between five places that will be involved in the exciting Giro d’Italia cycle race which takes place in the province in May.

While Yorkshire and Cambridgeshire have been banging the drum about their success in attraction stages of the Tour De France this year, Northern Ireland has been quietly going about its business, preparing for the Giro, which is widely recognised as the world’s second biggest cycle race.

Five Northern Ireland towns and cities have been awarded money by the executive to help in their individual preparations. Much of this will be spent sprucing up the appearance of properties and sites along the race routes. Armagh is to receive £82,000, Glengormley £16,650, Ballycastle £15,750, Larne £18,000 and Carrickfergus £13,500, thanks to the award which was made by Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland.

Northern Ireland will be taken for a ride this year

The race begins in Belfast on May 9th, with the first two days being in that area. The second day is routed through County Antrim, with the third stage on 11th May starting in Armagh and finishing in Dublin.

Mr McCausland said: "This is another huge opportunity for all the people of Northern Ireland to show their support for sporting events here which will have a worldwide audience. I share with my executive colleagues our delight in being able to stage this prestigious event, which will attract mass interest and media coverage across so many of our towns.

"Ensuring we do our best to create welcoming and attractive town centres for the many visitors and tourists expected to arrive in support of these elite cyclists is essential. The funding will be used to improve business premises, buildings and derelict sites which may be seen by millions of viewers across the globe. We want to make sure that Northern Ireland can deliver these types of events and that local areas gain benefits that are lasting."

The total cost to Northern Ireland of staging the Giro is expected to be in the region of £4.2m.

                                                               Giro d'Italia 2014