World Rally Championship becomes an election issue in Kerry
The campaign to secure a round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) for Kerry has become a significant issue in the run-up to the general election, with several candidates endorsing the bid.
Earlier this year Tralee, Limerick and Waterford were all announced as potential hosts of the WRC should Motorsport Ireland’s hid be successful.
However, the Irish governing body announced in April that it was withdrawing its bid for the time being after government funding failed to materialise.
With a general election now looming Michael Healy-Rae, Pa Daly, and Michael Cahill have all expressed strong support for bringing the event to the county.
Although not standing for the general election, Tralee councillor Angie Baily has also backed the effort, highlighting widespread political consensus.
Pa Daly of Sinn Féin pointed to his previous efforts, including hosting a topical debate in the Dáil earlier this year. “This is a golden opportunity for Kerry,” Daly said. “The economic and tourism benefits would be immense, and Kerry has everything needed to host a world-class rally.”
Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae said the county’s history and capability in rally organisation. “Kerry has proven its expertise through events like the Rally of the Lakes. We have the roads, the infrastructure, and the community support. Hosting the WRC would be huge for Kerry.”
Fianna Fáil councillor Michael Cahill added: “From hotels to restaurants, businesses across the county would benefit. Kerry ticks all the boxes for this event, and we are more than capable of delivering on every requirement.”
While no decision has been made about whether Kerry will secure the event, the bid is being actively pushed by members of Kerry Motor Club and Killarney and District Motor Club.
The recent Kerry Winter Rally had its service park at Munster Technological University and the double-world rally champion Kalle Rovanperä is contesting the Killarney Historic Rally at the end of the month.
Photo by Martin Bowden
Both events are seen as toe-in-water exercises should Kerry be successful in its bid to host the World Rally Championship.
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