Chris Kelly Memorial Stages event in September was axed this month
The Enterprise Minister admits it is 'obviously disappointing' one of the Island's annual rallying events has been cancelled following documentation issues.
Tim Johnston answered questions in the House of Keys this week on the now-axed 2024 Chris Kelly Memorial Stages Rally which had been due to take place in September.
Earlier this month Manx Auto Sport said it felt 'let down' after they were denied road closure approval for the event by the Department of Infrastructure.
Mr Johnston added that organisers claim they could lose out on around £750,000 on visitor spend with the meeting not being held in just under two months time:
What is Manx Auto Sport's view?
On Saturday, 6 July, Manx Auto Sport released a statement confirming the 2024 Chris Kelly Memorial Stages would not be taking place as it had not gained DoI consent to run the meeting.
The statement in full is as follows:
"The Directors of Manx Autosport have to announce that the Club has not gained consent from the Department of Infrastructure to run the Chris Kelly Memorial Rally in September 2024.
"The application was submitted on 18 October 2023 and the Club received a reply in early March 2024 after it had requested an update on the submission.
"The Department gave the Club three weeks to re-submit all the information required to run the rally and in the Department’s opinion it was incomplete and not acceptable. The information contained in the application included an Event Safety Plan, an Event Risk Assessment, an overall stage plan and the application form.
"The Club did not submit a Traffic Management Plan and Stage Safety Plan as it had not received an acceptance for the proposed route.
"The Club followed the protocol that it has used several times with the exception that it started the application many months earlier following a request to do so from the Department of Infrastructure.
"On 30 March 2024 the Club re-submitted its amended plans to the Department but this was also rejected, on 14 May 2024, for the same reasons.
"At no point have the Directors and team at Manx Autosport been made aware of what in, particular, the Department was unhappy with, but the Club’s application emphasised that all its documents were live and could and would be improved upon or extended as and when required.
"Since the announcement the Department has indicated that it would consider replying to the application within a couple of weeks. It is worth remembering that the events are put together by volunteers from both on the island and the UK.
"In conclusion, Manx Autosport is disappointed that so many volunteers, competitors and Isle of Man businesses will feel let down by this decision."
Last year's Chris Kelly Memorial Stages also didn't take place, however this was due what was described at the time as a 'significant restructure' of the sport locally.
'A successful resolution could not be achieved'
Mr Johnston says his department and political colleague with responsibility for motorsport, Sarah Maltby met with rally organisers in May this year when officers became aware of the 'likely rejection' of road closure approval for the rally because of documentation issues.
He stated this week: "Following this meeting, the Department made representations to the DoI to better understand their position and explore if there was opportunity for the Rally organisers to appeal and provide further information to support a successful outcome.
"In communications with the DoI, the Department noted that whilst it was seeking to listen to and support the Rally organisers, it was recognised that safety was a matter of critical importance, with a requirement for relevant safety-critical documentation and plans to be provided.
"The Department was clear with the proposed organisers that the relevant document much be completed to a sufficient standard, and to the deadlines agreed.
"Ultimately, it is understood that a successful resolution could not be achieved and the Rally organisers subsequently publically announced that the September event would not go ahead.
"Whilst obviously disappointing, I do fully understand, and support the decision and look forward to a successful May 25 event once again."
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