Cycling Ireland invited before Oireachtas Committee to discuss governance structure concerns – Cannon

Fine Gael TD Ciaran Cannon has requested Cycling Ireland to appear before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media to discuss concerns relating to governance structures within the organisation.

Deputy Cannon said, “Recent developments within Cycling Ireland give me great cause for concern. There have been recent reports regarding tensions and conflict within the organisation, along with a number of resignations from members of the Board.

“This is a national sporting body which continues to receive very substantial State funding, yet its governance structures seem to be exceptionally weak, with a level of disharmony amongst its leadership.

“We need complete reassurance that these issues are being comprehensively addressed so that Cycling Ireland can continue to receive State financial support.

“I was very pleased to see the recent appointment of Nicholas Roche as Cycling Ireland’s Director Sportif for our elite cyclists. He has huge experience of competing at the very highest level, and this appointment is a really positive development for Irish cycling as a whole.

“Mr Roche needs the support of a fully competent Board and Executive, and as a member of Cycling Ireland, I most certainly want to see complete trust restored in the organisation. That’s why I’ve asked for the Chair and CEO to appear before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media to do exactly that; restore trust and reassure us that a major programme of reform is underway. I’m pleased that my colleagues on the Committee have agreed to my request.

“An invitation has now been issued for the Chair and CEO to appear before the Committee on March 9^th to discuss governance structures and related reforms within Cycling Ireland. I also look forward to hearing evidence that Cycling Ireland is intent on expanding its role to include advocacy for safer roads and better infrastructure for all cyclists.”