Mary Peters Track Repairs

Athletics Northern Ireland (ANI) & Mary Peters Track (MPT) sustained significant damage to both the office buildings and important competition equipment during Storm Eowyn on the 24th of January 2025.  This unfortunately caused ANI to close our Offices and MPT to close our Discus cage, Hammer Cage and Competition High Jump.  Much urgent collaborative work has taken place, starting immediately post storm between ANI, MPT, Belfast City Council (BCC) staff and external providers to remedy this situation.  This was additional and unexpected workload for all involved and the resolution was impacted by widespread need for repairs across the whole of the Country.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank all involved in expediating these repairs and I can now confirm that staff have returned to the office and the High Jump and Discus Cage has reopened.  

 

Unfortunately, the hammer cage remains closed and has been more difficult to assess damage and repair.  I understand the Athletics Community's dissatisfaction with this situation, as this has left athletes, coaches, clubs and volunteers unable to complete their preparation for the start of the Track & Field season, nor compete or deliver the first planned hammer competition this season.  We apologise unreservedly for this situation but please let us assure you that all stakeholders and staff involved are working incredibly hard to resolve the situation and must prioritise the Health & Safety of our members, users, staff and volunteers hence the delay reopening until appropriate repairs are completed.  On inspection damage was found to the doors of the hammer cage which makes it unusable and dangerous.  We are working closely with BCC to expediate these repairs at the earliest possible time and are thankful for the support of BCC staff in working towards rectifying this situation.  

 

Next week (Week beginning April 14th) we are closing the track for cleaning prior to relining which is a requirement for our TrackMark certification.  This work has been coordinated and confirmed due to collaborative work again between ANI, MPT & BCC staff and is necessary to allow us to maintain delivery of High-quality competition at MPT for the Athletics Community.  We apologise for any inconvenience this important closure may cause to all.