Motorsport: Royal Irish Automobile Club 'looking for expressions of interest and not sale'

The offices of the Royal Irish Automobile Club in Dawson Street, Dublin 2. that also incorporates the offices of Motorsport Ireland. Pic: Google Maps.

The Royal Irish Automobile Club, who are the recipients of the franchise from the FIA (the world governing body of motorsport) and delegate the sporting powers to Motorsport Ireland to administer motorsport in Ireland (26 counties) have withdrawn an advertisement relating to the sale of its property in Dawson Street, Dublin that also houses the offices of Motorsport Ireland.

The sale of the property at 33/34 Dawson Street, on property website Daft.ie was taken down on Wednesday last. 

The Irish Examiner had queried the sale and further to clarification, were informed by RIAC chairman Arthur Collier that they (RIAC) are "looking for expressions of interest and not sale." 

Mr. Collier confirmed that the advertisement on Daft.ie was removed and also that Motorsport Ireland were aware that the RIAC was looking for expressions of interest.

It seems the motorsport fraternity were caught off guard by the advertisement that stated "vacant possession can be obtained at short notice.” 

Indeed, that sent shock waves throughout many of the MI affiliated clubs that faced the possible prospect of seeing their governing body without a headquarters.

However, the withdrawal of the sale notice avoids that possibility for now with Mr. Collier adding: "A decision where both Club (RIAC) and Sport (Motorsport Ireland) will be located on the site will depend on the future development plans. I confirm that Motorsport is a vital part of the Club’s heritage and will be housed within the Club."

Currently, a JLL.ie notice "Expression of Interest" adorns the railings at the RIAC property adjacent to the Luas line and opposite the Mansion House.

Mr. Collier also stated that the latest move is in line with the previous process when Tetrarch agreed a deal which collapsed following the Covid pandemic. 

That particular deal, according to the RIAC accounts shows they benefitted to the tune of €850,386 - consisting of €350,386 (described by "gain on an abandoned property transaction") and €500,000 (loan write-off - relating to "debt forgiveness by a lender in relation to a loan of €500,000 provided to the company"). 

Mr. Collier also stated that members of the RIAC have the final say in any development.

Interestingly, and following a search of the Land Registry Office records, it appears that the property at 34 Dawson Street, is not registered therein to the RIAC, but (since August 2021) to an investment company connected to Tetrarch Capital, several dealings are pending on the relevant folio.

It remains to be seen what, if any, impact all of this will have on Motorsport Ireland, who recently announced a pause on all MI Commission and MI Council appointments for 2026. 

That announcement was made at the recent MI Congress in Athlone, media (who were not allowed to attend) were subsequently issued with a statement that reasoned the "pause". It said: "The purpose of the pause is to allow time and stability for an independent facilitator to assess all areas of our sport/organisation. This will allow Motorsport Ireland to make important decisions, in a stable environment, to future-proof the sport and inform future strategic goals." 

That decision that was taken at a Motor Sport Council meeting and endorsed by the IMF (Irish Motorsport Federation). The IMF trade as Motorsport Ireland, two of its directors are also members of the RIAC.

Meanwhile, an announcement from Motorsport Ireland on the appointment of its Head of Motorsport (a new position) is imminent.

In rallying, Donegal's Joe Kelly (22) has secured the June-October nomination for the 2025 Billy Coleman Young Rally Driver of the Year Award. 

A dominant figure in Stellantis Rally Cup and the British Junior Rally Championship, Kelly, who campaigned Peugeot 208 Rally4, only lost overall victory on the latter stages of the final round.

Kelly joins another Donegal driver, Kyle McBride as the monthly nominations, nominees that qualify through the various championships together with wildcard nominations, are according to the governing body, due to be announced later this week.

The National Navigation Motorsport Trial Championship continues with the Midland Navigation Trial that is based in Ballinamuck, Co. Leitrim with the first car away at 9.01pm tomorrow night. The launch of the Killarney Historic Rally (November 29) takes place on Sunday afternoon at the Plaza Hotel, Killarney.