Cycling Ireland seeking to create hub in Antrim and Newtownabbey

Antrim and Newtownabbey council has been asked to consider a request from Cycling Ireland for a hub to be established in the borough.
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The sports body is seeking to expand its regional hubs across Northern Ireland.

Three have already been approved for development in other council areas -Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Mid Ulster District, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

Antrim and Newtownabbey is one of a further three boroughs identified for this facility expected to be funded by the Department for Communities at a cost of £10,000 each.

The hubs can be used by Cycling Ireland for training courses by local cycling clubs and will also be available for use by the council for coaching or walking programmes. Hubs are comprised of two purpose-built shipping containers.

Cycling Ireland has also been working on a bike safety/road safety and “turnaround project” through the Department of Justice with young offenders.

A report to the council’s Operations Committee says: “The training will be for children through to adults as well as for people with and without disabilities, members of local clubs and grass roots to elite type cyclists – allowing coaches to come to them.”

A number of sites have been considered including Antrim Forum, Mossley Mill and the V36, in Newtownabbey, which has been recommended due to an existing space and proximity to a paths network, toilets and electricity.

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter

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Last month the Newtownabbey Times reported that twenty-nine locations have been proposed for new bike stands across Antrim and Newtownabbey.

For more on this story, read here

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