Sinn Féin’s Darren O’Rourke TD has called on the Government to intervene in the insurance market following the decision this week of Kells Road Races to cancel their annual race event due to inability to secure insurance cover.The Meath East TD told Meath Live, “This is a most regrettable decision and a huge loss for the local economy and the local community, but it is totally understandable.“The issue of insurance is front and centre for a number of years now. In motorsports it came into sharp focus right across the island this year when some underwriters withdrew from the market and others refused to provide cover. Brexit has made matters worse south of the border.“I have engaged with Motorcycling Ireland when they presented before the Oireachtas earlier this year. Subsequent representations to the Minister for Finance drew the usual responses.“They say; Government is aware that a small number of activity-related sectors are currently facing difficulty in terms of affordability and availability of insurance. We have therefore prioritised the implementation of the Action Plan for Insurance Reform, which aims to improve the cost and availability of insurance for all groups, including sporting organisations such as those involved in motorcycle racing.“What makes matters all the worse is that events in the North, despite the exact same risk profile, have been able to secure insurance cover.“This is disappointing news for the sport and for the people of Kells and Meath. It is a huge loss. Unfortunately, any prospect of a 2023 event looks lost now.“It is essential that the Government intervenes now, and work with Motorcycling Ireland, the Alliance for Insurance Reform and Insurance Ireland, to resolve these issues as soon as possible.”