Chris Lyttle MLA said:”Excitement is building across Northern Ireland for the start of the Giro d’Italia. I am sure that it will be a great success and would encourage everybody to attend one of the three stages – or even all three.
“This race will be an amazing opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland to a global audience. It will undoubtedly deliver an economic and tourist boost to Northern Ireland. However, it is also important that the Executive uses this as an opportunity to allocate adequate resources to deliver a cycling legacy for the public.
“There has been a massive growth in cycling in recent years, however, there is a need for greater investment in cycling infrastructure. We have seen an increase in the number of cycle lanes and green advance boxes at traffic lights, but we are not spending as much as other countries on cycling.
“Other countries are also far ahead of us in terms of encouraging children to take up cycling. I hope that with the interest in the Giro d’Italia and investment by the Executive, more children and young people will travel by bicycle.
“I hope this event will be the launch pad for a cycling revolution in Northern Ireland.”
ENDS
DUP Motion: Giro d’Italia 2014
‘That this Assembly recognises that the Giro d’Italia is one of the biggest events in the international sporting calendar; warmly welcomes it to Northern Ireland; acknowledges the significance and magnitude of being chosen to hose the Grande Partenza; understands the benefits to be obtained in terms of the economy, tourism, cultural exchange and education, promotion of a healthy lifestyle, and worldwide publicity for Northern Ireland; and calls on the Executive to take all necessary steps to maximise the potential to be gained through such a prestigious event.’
Alliance Amendment
Proposed: At end insert
‘and to allocate adequate resources for the delivery of a suitable Giro legacy plan to include improved provision and infrastructure for schools, commuting, leisure, tourist and sporting cycling in Northern Ireland.’