First ever custom-built motorcycle track opens in Midlands

Biking fever is set to let rip as the first ever fully designed and planned bike track in Ireland opens today (Saturday) in the heart of the Midlands.

The new motor biking track is on land that was granted under lease by Bord na Móna to a local start-up company Derryarkin Motocross. The ‘Arrive and Ride’ track is located close to Junction 3 on the M6 and is expected to attract quad drivers and bikers from across the region.

Karl Brady of Derryarkin Motocross said: “It is fantastic to be opening this exciting new facility here today. It took three years to get here but it was all worth it to see people here enjoying the tests and trials during the week. The track is in superb shape and I couldn’t be happier with the way all the design work has come together to make a top class facility here in Derryarkin.

I’m especially pleased that Chairman Motorcycling Ireland Sean Bissot and Vice President of motorcycling Ireland Trevor Callaghan were able to be here to cut the ribbon on the track. I hope this is the first of a lot of great days here at Derryarkin- roll on the Summer!”

Representing Bord na Móna at the event Head of Fuels, Paul Riordan said: “Bord na Móna has a good tradition of working with local people and businesses to find smart solutions to common challenges. This bike track is a fantastic example of that kind of co-operation that sees a problem turned into a great asset to the community and the region. Local residents, an Garda Síochána and ourselves in Bord na Móna all faced this shared problem of nuisance bikers on the boglands in the area. As well as the issues around noise pollution and damage to wildlife habitats the activity presented a serious health and safety issue for the bikers themselves. We were delighted to work with Derryarkin Motocross to help create the track here, protecting the local area from had become dangerous nuisance activity and giving bikers a fantastic new facility.”   

The track at Derryarkin is 1800 metres long and varies between six and ten metres wide, incorporating a series of turns, jumps and straights, all designed in accordance with Motorcycle Ireland rules and regulations.

It was part funded by Westmeath Community Development. No other track has ever been granted planning permission in Ireland. The track at Derryarkin has been granted approval by Westmeath and Offaly County Councils as well as An Bord Pleanala.  

Derryarkin Motocross track is located on the Rhode- Rochfortbridge road approximately 1km South of Junction 3 on the M6.