Mayo TD floats motorsport facility idea to limit ‘car enthusiasts’ disruption

Fine Gael TD Keira Keogh has said providing a designated space where car enthusiasts could safely carry out stunts and social gatherings may reduce antisocial behaviour on public roads, while improving safety for residents and motorists alike.

Keogh said her aim is to keep dialogue positive and focused on solutions that allow enthusiasts to enjoy their vehicles and ensure that residents are not repeatedly disturbed by late-night gatherings and unsafe driving behaviour.

“My goal is to keep the conversation constructive and inclusive, so we can work together toward solutions that balance community concerns with their interests,” she said in a statement.

Her comments follow renewed complaints from residents in areas including Derrinumera, near the R311 between Newport and Castlebar, where groups of vehicles have previously gathered late at night, generating noise and concerns about dangerous driving.

The location has been a recurring hotspot for several years, according to residents.

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Deputy Keogh said her proposal is not centred on a single solution, but rather on being “open to ideas” and engaging with relevant stakeholders.

She has sought a meeting with the local Garda superintendent to better understand how An Garda Síochána is managing the issue and has contacted Mayo County Council regarding the potential installation of community CCTV.

“I have received a response from both the county council and the superintendent,” she said, “but no meeting dates or concrete answers on CCTV have been confirmed yet.”

Research is also underway, with the Oireachtas Library and Research Service commissioned to examine international best practice in managing car enthusiast activity while prioritising public safety. Deputy Keogh said her own initial research did not establish a direct correlation between designated facilities and reduced incidents, but acknowledged that the work was limited and that she will rely on the library’s findings.

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Public engagement has formed another element of her response. Through Midwest Radio and social media platforms, she has invited car enthusiasts to submit ideas on how gatherings could be organised more safely and with less disruption to local communities.

“This could include more organised meets, at more appropriate times of the day, and in various locations around the county or province, so the same communities are not repeatedly disrupted,” she said.

Deputy Keogh said she believes solutions can be found that respect both community wellbeing and the interests of car enthusiasts.

“I believe there is a way to strike a balance; allowing enthusiasts to showcase their pride and joy without communities being disrupted, and ensuring road safety remains paramount.”

She added that the Oireachtas research service is currently experiencing delays due to workload pressures, but is expected to progress the research in due course.

Local Gardaí continue to monitor areas where gatherings have previously occurred, while residents and public representatives await further clarity on potential preventative measures.

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