Ulster Unionist Environment spokesperson Tom Elliott MLA has welcomed the further development of more mountain bike trails in Northern Ireland with the commencement of work in Davagh Forest, near Cookstown which further increases the opportunity for local enthusiasts and visitors to engage in this fast growing sport.
Tom said: “For years many mountain bikers from Northern Ireland had to travel to Scotland to pursue their sport because of lack of proper facilities in Northern Ireland. We are now privileged to have a number of facilities in Fermanagh & South Tyrone at Blessingbourne Estate in Fivemiletown and the Castle Archdale family cycling trail. The addition of the new trail in Cookstown District will put us at the forefront of activity tourism. Further expansion of the Mournes trails at Rostrevor & Castlewellan should be completed in early 2013.
‘I felt for many years that the Forestry Service in Northern Ireland were reluctant to open up their lands for such a sport and with the success of British Cyclists at the recent London Olympics I feel sure with proper facilities this activity is certain to grow in the future. It has already been demonstrated in Scotland that this sport can generate millions of pounds to the local economy, as well as improving public health and well-being.
Now, instead of our mountain bikers travelling out of Northern Ireland to partake in their sport, we can now encourage enthusiasts from other parts of the UK to come to Northern Ireland.
Ends