East Londonderry MLA Claire Sugden insists the 'hard work starts now' to ensure the future of the North West 200.
Tens of thousands of fans travelled to the Triangle circuit for the international road race last week, with fans treated to two days of exciting racing on Thursday and Saturday.
There were concerns whether this year's North West 200 would even proceed due to soaring insurance costs, with a lack of funding also threatening the very existence of one of Northern Ireland's biggest outdoor events.
Read more: NI rider facing 'slow road to recovery' as NW200 injuries are confirmed
Ms Sugden believes a sustainable funding model must be found.
“We on the north coast are so lucky to play host to one of motorsport’s most unique and thrilling spectacles – one that draws many tens of thousands of visitors from across Europe and the world,” she said.
“The fact that, despite the immense efforts of the organisers, its future has been nearly consistently in doubt for the past number of years, must be addressed long-term.
“This could come in a variety of forms, from government and council funding through to establishing an improved model for charging spectators even a nominal sum – a sum I’m sure the vast majority of fans would be willing to pay if it secured the future of the North West 200.
“The latter is clearly more complicated, while the former is, in theory, more straightforward. However, in a climate of public service cuts, money from local and national government is likely to be harder to come by.
“But what both must appreciate is that the benefits to the local economy are clear and the event adds to an already incredible tourist offering from the north coast and Northern Ireland as a whole.
“Council and the Department for Communities in Stormont must work with organisers to ensure that the future of the event is secured and people can look forward to many more years of one of the highlights of the Northern Irish sporting calendar.”
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