Meath BMX club ramp up efforts to fund new track

A Ratoath BMX cycling club which provides coaching for the Irish international team, as well as providing facilities for up to 100 local youngsters, has warned it may have to close if it doesn't get the funds to build a new track.

Ratoath BMX club is appealing to Meath County Council and the government for help funding it.

The club, which was set up in 2011 has to move premises and badly needs funds to create a new track.

“We have been in the same place since 2011 thanks to a local developer but he is now planning to develop the land, so we have to move. He has given us a new site, but we need to develop it and it will be very costly,” says chairman, Shay McNally.

“We built the track ourselves - a small group of volunteers who had been involved in the sport when we were younger. In fact, we restarted the sport in Ireland."

“Now we will have to start fundraising all over again.”

Shay explains the club has been very successful. Among its members is the World number three at under 12. They also have a world number four and six, one of their 17 year olds took second place in the UK championship and they have 12 and 14 year old British champions.

Club secretary and national coach, Eugene Jackson says they have several riders competing internationally. “They have really progressed over the past few years. We had a recent competition here with over 120 riders and visitors from all over the country.

“As well as the health aspect of the sport it is a great way for young people to socialise."

“We have over 100 members and we cater for cyclists from four to 60 years and older. We regularly have the whole family at the one facility for a great day’s sport.”

Shay McNally points out that as well as providing facilities for local cyclists, they provide coaching to the national team. “Eugene Jackson, is a national BMX coach and we have coaching for the national team on twice a week. Other club members involved in Cycling Ireland nationally are our treasurer, Natalie Lawlor and secretary, Tom Campbell both of whom are on the BMX commission.

“We will need €200,000 to rebuild the track. We need Meath County Council to come on board and help us access funds.”

Shay points out that a number of other BMX clubs around the country get great support from their local councils, particularly in Fingal.

“Fingal County Council has been very good to the clubs in their area. They have gone out to the clubs and worked with them, seen what they need.”

Cllr Nick Killian says “I am very anxious that Ratoath BMX track can continue, but funding is a huge issue. There will be a considerable cost in developing a new track and we need some new state stakeholders to ensure the club is successful and continues into the future.

Meath County Council has been approached for comment.