Motorsport: Wexford rally cancelled

The Wexford Rally scheduled to take place this weekend has been cancelled.

A statement issued by Motorsport Ireland, the governing body of Irish Motorsport, cited the ongoing situation in Britain with regard to the foot-and-mouth disease as the reason for the cancellation along with recent remarks and concerns by Minister for Agriculture and Food, Joe Walsh.

Motorsport Ireland stated they were "acutely aware of the problems that the cancellation may cause for the organisers, the Wexford Motor Club, who have put nine months work and considerable expense preparing for this popular

annual event.

They said they were also aware of "the impact it will have on local tourist and business interests".

The Wexford event is the fourth rally - since the lifting of the suspension - to be cancelled due to the FMD situation.

The Cork "20" International Rally, the Marine Hotel Fastnet Rally in West Cork, the Aer Lingus Raly in Wicklow and the Killarney Historic Rally have all been cancelled by event organisers rather than the governing body.

Motorsport Ireland will issue a further statement on September 20 following the next meeting of the Motorsport Commission (Ruling Council).

In the meantime, motorsport events held on private venues will not be affected by the decision.

Earlier yesterday, the Galway Motor Club, organisers of the West International Rally, unveiled plans to go ahead with the event on November 2/3.

The club proposes to run the event in South County Galway and North County Clare.

However, in the light of Motorsport Ireland's decision, that is one of the events that is likely to be reviewed on September 20.