Mountainbiking Association of Dublin

Could you help spread word that by completing the online survey at http://www.wicklowleader.ie/outdoorrecreation.php participants in outdoor recreation activities can influence plans for the future development of outdoor recreation in Co. Wicklow?

This survey is a really important stage in the preparation of an Outdoor Recreation Strategy for Co. Wicklow, as it means that the plans will be based on the activities, needs and ideas of the people who enjoy the wide range of recreation opportunities available in the county.

Thanks for your help!

Helen Lawless
Countryside Recreation Officer
Wicklow Uplands Council

The Mountain Biking Ireland AGM will take place at Kilfinane, Co Limerick on Saturday March 1st. The itinerary for the weekend is as follows:

10am - meet main forest car park for a spin around the new trails (3 hours)
1.30pm - lunch/showers
3pm - AGM Ballyhoura forest lodges, Ballyorgan
5pm - Dinner/Social evening

On Sunday there are two events nearby, a duathlon in Limerick city or an XC race in Tracton wood, or another spin around the trails.There is accommodation available in the Ballyhoura forest lodges at €55 - €65 per person for two nights accommodation. Everyone is welcome.
There are plenty of B&B’s also available locally.

The agenda for the AGM is as follows :

MBI AGM Agenda

1. Chairman’s report
2. Update for regions - regional reps
3. Proposed structure for MBI
4. Presentation on organisations who can impact trail development
5. Ratification of officers
6. AOB

Contact Elizabeth.mccluskey@dit.ie with any questions.

It’s been a long time coming but the Coille outdoor recreation website went live today. Probably the most interesting thing for us are the details of the new “official” mtb trails - the first in the country. There is currently only one MTB trail on the site - Ballinastoe - but the others should be available soon. There are also dozens of hiking trails maps which cover some familiar locations. The site itself seems well put together and should be a really useful resource.

http://www.coillteoutdoors.ie.

Isn’t It Time for a Recreational Plan for the Dublin Hills?’ asks the DMRI

Following a presentation to South Dublin Strategic Policy Committee on Sport, Recreation, Community & Parks today, the recently formed Dublin Mountains Recreational Initiative (DMRI)* are calling for the radical development of the leisure and recreational facilities of the Dublin Mountains.

Chairman of the DMRI, Mark d’Alton, said ”We represent all those who utilise the Dublin Mountains for recreational purposes – both those who are members of our affiliated groups and the many non-specialised users of the Dublin Mountains who, not being members of any particular grouping, have no means of conveying what the mountains mean to them and how they would like to see them developed.

“The central aim of the DMRI is the formulaton of a unified development and management policy for the Dublin Mountains. There are few capital cities in the world where the inhabitants and visitors alike have such ready access to the hills. Our vision is that ultimately there would be a Regional Park in the state owned portion of the mountains with greatly upgraded facilities, a ranger programme and sustainable multi-use way marked trails.

“With some imagination there is no reason why there could not be a Dublin Way linking to the Wicklow Way. The Dublin Mountains could become a major attraction that would benefit both the people who live here and those who visit us - there are huge social, health and economic benefits to be gained from proper development of upland trails.

“Despite its’ large and increasing population currently only about 10% of the trails in Ireland are in the greater Dublin Area. We should look to the examples of cities such as Adelaide in Australia and Vancouver in Canada to see how to properly develop the mountains on our doorstep. A swimming pool and associated facilities costs in the order of 12 million euro to build - by comparison trails cost only 20 to 30,000 euro per kilometer to develop.

“The DMRI intend to establish dialogue with the major landowners in the Dublin Mountains – we have already met with Coillte who have been very receptive. We also intend to work with local and national politicians to engender policy change and to secure proper funding.“ he concluded

* The DMRI was brought together to represent the interests of those who use the Dublin Mountains for leisure and recreation. Its’ members are:
i) The Mountaineering Council of Ireland
ii) The Scout Association of Ireland
iii) The Irish Mountain Running Association
iv) Mountain Biking Ireland
v) The Irish Orienteering Association
vi) Slí na Slaínte (Irish Heart Foundation)

Stay tuned………….

Sean

Dear Mountain Biker

We are writing to you regarding the formation of a new organisation called Mountain Biking Ireland.

MBI aims to be at the forefront in dealing with issues related to mountain biking in Ireland, with particular emphasis on the development of recognised, sustainable trails for recreational mountain bikers.

MBI was created to give an organised structure through which mountain bikers can voice their opinions and concerns to land owners and managers such as Coillte, National Parks and county councils so as to best develop access and minimize conflict and disputes.

Already MBI have entered into negotiation with Coillte to develop a previously unauthorised trail in Kindlestown, Co. Wicklow and it is planned that this initial pilot project will be the first of many in all parts of the country.

MBI plans, within a set timeframe, to become an Irish branch of IMBA, the International Mountain Bicycling Association and will be working with local clubs throughout the country to ensure proper regional representation in all parts of Ireland. The current committee is temporary and the constitution provides a framework to ensure that the organisation will be democratic and fair.

In order for MBI to progress further it is essential that we can show that we represent the whole mountain bike community, both recreational and racer and therefore need as large a membership as possible.

We need YOUR support NOW!

All we want from you for now is basic contact details so that we can build up a membership database. Membership will be free initially after which a nominal membership fee will apply to cover basic costs. As a member you will be kept up to date with MBI activities such as trail building projects and workdays, training workshops, biking events etc.

Please don’t ignore this initiative, leaving it to others to join – gaining a significant membership will give us the authority to best represent your interests.

Sign your name on the membership form and return it by post or e-mail to the address provided.

Thanking you in anticipation of your support,

Justin May, Acting Chairman, MBI.

Membership form

This report is a summary of the events taking place on the trail access front over the past couple of months, there is of course more detail surrounding the various points, please keep an eye out for further notices.

• Read the full announcement here (Word, 32kb)

Any of you that keep an eye on the message board on MTBIreland may be aware of plans to renovate the old rifle range in Ticknock Forest. Work is currently under way by the Leinster Rifle and Pistol Club to repair the range for private use.

This has serious safety implications for all users of Three Rock. MAD have launched a campaign to highlight these concerns, and we currently have the support of Cycling Ireland, Coillte, and South Dublin TDs Olivia Mitchell, Liz O’Donnell, and Eamon Ryan.

Ticknock is likely to be visited by various groups in relation to this over the coming weeks, so we’d ask you all to be on best behaviour. Remember our code of conduct - always give way to walkers, pull in and stop for horses, and show courtesy to all mountain users.

We’ll keep you all posted with further developments as the campaign rolls on. Keep an eye our for media blurb, contact Mick O’Dowd (by email, or 086 6004878) for any further information.