Member's statement: North West 200
Member's statement by Mr Alan Robinson on .
- MLA
- Mr Alan Robinson
- Party at the time
- Democratic Unionist Party
- Date
- 11 May 2026
- Type
- Member's statement
- Business
- Members' Statements
- Heading
- North West 200
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5523593
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I want to highlight one of the greatest local sporting events: the North West 200. Before I do so, I acknowledge the death of a rider in the Superbike qualifiers on Thursday at Station corner. Forty-eight-year-old Kamil Holan from the Czech Republic will be for ever remembered, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family circle at this most difficult time. Every year for almost a century, for the North West 200, the roads linking Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine are transformed into a world-famous circuit that attracts the best riders and tens of thousands of bike fans from across the globe. There is simply nothing like it. As someone who lives in the north coast area, I know that the atmosphere during race week is electric. The roar of the engines, the sight of riders reaching breathtaking speeds and the crowds lining the coast create an unforgettable spectacle. Families return year after year. Visitors discover our stunning coastline, our hospitality and our people. For many, the North West 200 is their introduction to the Province, and what an introduction it is. The impact of the North West 200 reaches far beyond sport. The event is recognised as and proven to be a vital driver of the local economy. Hotels, guest houses, restaurants, cafes, shops, transport providers and local businesses all benefit from the influx of visitors. During race week, accommodation is booked out months in advance, hospitality venues thrive, jobs are supported and revenue flows directly into our area. The North West 200 showcases Northern Ireland on the international stage in a way that few events can. Television coverage and media attention reach millions of viewers worldwide, promoting our tourism industry, landscape and reputation as a welcoming place. It is a sporting event that is an economic engine and a global advertisement for the Province. The North West 200 is and has always been one of Northern Ireland's greatest success stories, and we thank the organisers for that. Today, it is important to recognise not only the races but the enormous contribution that the event makes to our economy and our international profile. As I mentioned at the beginning of my speech, it is also important that, today, we remember Mr Holan, a rider who was lost doing what he loved most.
383 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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