Community group backs circuit plans

Community group backs circuit plans

18 September 2013

THE Ballyhornan Community Association has thrown its weight behind the future growth of the Bishopscourt race circuit outside Downpatrick.

Members of the group and local politicians met circuit owner Jim O’Brien last week to pledge their support for his plan to increase the number of race days from 16 to 30.

The Planning Service recently deferred a refusal of planning permission to almost double the number of racing events held at the track,. A public meeting is being planned to allow local people an opportunity to express their views on the proposal.

This week, Mrs. Patricia Curran, chairwoman of the Ballyhornan Community Association, met Mr. O’Brien to hear his plans for the future of the circuit.

Mrs. Curran said the track owner has been working hard and investing a considerable amount of money in the facility. She also believes the noise associated with events at the race track is not is bad as it once was.

“When I bought my house in Bishopscourt I knew there was going to be racing at the track and so did a lot of other people. I support plans to increase the circuit’s usage as it will provide a boost for the local economy,” said the chairwoman.

“There is also a second race track operating at Bishopscourt which is generating noise but does not have planning permission. Not many people are aware of this fact. Mr. O’Brien’s plans have the potential to make a positive contribution to the area and it has emerged that a businessman is interested in building a new hotel which would create jobs.”

Several local councillors also met with Mr. O’Brien. Councillor Mac Con Midhe said a public meeting on the proposed growth of the race track would allow everyone with a view on the expansion of the race circuit to be heard.

“A lot of money has been invested in the track over the past number of years with financial support from the Department for Culture Arts and Leisure,” he said.

“The circuit attracts thousands of visitors and I believe Down Council should be supporting its owner and providing him with much more help and support.”

Councillor Mac Con Midhe said local politicians recognised the race circuit’s potential and wanted to see it developed to provide a boost for the local economy.

Councillor Cadogan Enright said what should be of concern to people was an illegal race track, which had nothing to do with the owner of the Bishopscourt circuit.

“Mr. O’Brien’s track is important to economic development in the area. Thousands of pounds have also been invested in building huge earth barriers to ensue that noise from the circuit is deflected upwards and does not upset locals,” he declared.

“It is beyond belief that the planning system will torment a business that has community support and that operates within the law, while ignoring nearby operations that defy planning regulation and are not under any official scrutiny.”