NEWS

8th November 2011

We have had a really busy summer with lots of visitors to our clubhouse and wine bar.

Our next scheduled functions is an open evening for members, guests and prospective members on Thursday10th November from 5.30 to 7pm. Please call Breda at 01 677 5141 if you intend to drop by.

We have a film show scheduled for Monday 14th November based on the life of Juan Fangio.

On the 5th December we have an evening with Alec Poole. As many of you will know, Alec has a long history of success both as a driver and team manager in motorsport. This is bound to be a sell out so arrive early and contact the office in advance if you wish to bring a guest.

We follow this with a Christmas party for members on 7th December. This will take place in our wine bar so the numbers are limited. Tickets are €25 each and are available from the office on a first come first served basis. The price includes wine and nibbles. The fun begins at 7pm and you are free to leave at 10pm!

During the month of December the opening hours for La Ruelle will be extended to include Tuesday &  Wednesday, 5pm to Midnight, while the hours for Thursday, Friday and Saturday will be extended to 3pm to Midnight.If you enjoy wine and  you have not been yet, you have missed a treat. Don't forget RIAC members receive 10% discount on production of their current membership card.

17th August 2011

La Ruelle Wine Bar is now open 3 months and thanks to your support we are now in a position to extend the opening hours on Saturday to 12 noon to Midnight. This means you can now pop in for a glass of wine and a bite to eat while shopping or just passing the time in the centre of Dublin. This Saturday (20th) there is an outdoor art exhibition on St.Stephen's Green. What better reason need there be to pay us a visit? 

La Ruelle is located next door to the RIAC garage entrance on Dawson Street and is open Thursday/Friday 5pm to Midnight and Saturday 12 noon to Midnight.

12th July 2011

A very successful barbeque hosted jointly by the Royal Irish Auutomobile Club and Stephen's Green Hibernian Club took place last Saturday (9 July). Facilities in both properties were utilised to provide a summer evening to remember for almost 100 attendees!

Judging by the reaction and comments received since, the exercise is certain to be repeated. 

27th June 2011

Today we received a visit form the Secretary General of the FIA (Mobility & Touring), Susan Pikrallidas. Following on the visit of President Jen Todt last February it is indeed a sign that the FIA is placing renewed emphasis on mobility, a subject that has an impact on all our lives.

Wide ranging discussions took place with RIAC Secretary General, Alex Sinclair,  covering many areas of mutual interest including the Motorsport Ireland road safety initiative recently launced by President Todt.

9th May 2011

Classic Car Run:

Thirty two participants took to the roads of County Wicklow yesterday in machines as varied as a 1934 Bentley to an Alfa Romeo Mito and everything in between. The event began with registration and coffee at our new wine bar, La Ruelle, followed by a mid point stop at Avondale House for lunch. The day was topped off by a presentation of mementos and quiz prizes at Glen of the Downs Golf Club.

Wine Bar:

As mentioned above our wine bar, La Ruelle, is now open for business. RIAC members, on production of their valid membership card, will receive a 10% discount on purchases. 

21st April 2011

We would like to invite members and friends to visit the Road Safety Authority website www.rsa.ie where details of a new awareness campaign on motorway safety has been launched.

This writer's observations of bad driving on our motorways has no doubt been the experiance of many visitors to this website. From poor lane discipline to incorrect use of "on" and "off" ramps, the list is endless. The RSA's initiative is most welcome in this regard.

15th April 2011

Wine bar opens 28th April!

15th April 2011

Registrations for the RIAC Classic Car Run on Sunday 8th May can be completed by phoning Breda at 01-6775141.No experiance is necessary as full route notes are provided.

28th February 2011

Repairs: We are delighted to report that all work has been completed on schedule and we would like to invite  members and guests to visit the club and view the new layout. We hope you like it!

Renewals: All outstanding subscriptions for 2011 must be finalised by 8th March following which it will not be possible to access the garage without a current membership card.

Overseas Members: A new category of membership (Overseas) has been created to faciltate the increasing number of members who reside outside the island of Ireland. Please contact Breda (00353 1 677 5141 or info@iac.ie) for further details.

16th February 2011

Federation Internationale de l'Automobile: Mr.Jean Todt, President of the FIA, paid an official visit to the club today and assisted with a successful launch of a road safety initiative with Motorsport Ireland and the Road Safety Authority.

7th February 2011

Repairs: We are pleased to report that work is currently underway to upgrade the reception and lobby areas of the clubhouse. This work will be completed no later than 14th February. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Restaurant Opening Times: To coincide with the visit of FIA President , Jean Todt, a press reception will be held in the main restaurant at 11am on Wednesday 16th February. The restaurant will reopen at 12.30pm for normal service. 

1st February 2011

Wi Fi: As an extension to our service to members Wi Fi is now avaialable in the bar in addition to the boardroom. Please ask the office for passowrd.

31st January 2011

JEAN TODT, FIA PRESIDENT TO VISIT IRELAND

The President of the FIA, Jean Todt, will visit Ireland on Wednesday 16th February. This will be his first visit here since being elected FIA President in 2010.

The FIA is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation of the world’s leading motoring organisations. It was founded in 1904 and is headquartered in Paris. The FIA is a non-profit making association bringing together 226 national motoring and sporting organisations from 132 countries. Its member clubs represent millions of motorists and their families.
 
The FIA has been dedicated to representing the rights of motoring organisations and motor car users throughout the world via campaigns and activities that defend their interests. On issues such as safety, mobility, the environment and consumer law the FIA actively promotes the interests of motorists at the United Nations, within the European Union and through other international bodies.
 
The FIA is also the governing body for motor sport worldwide. It administers the rules and regulations for all international four-wheel motor sport including the FIA Formula One World Championship, FIA World Rally Championship and FIA World Touring Car Championship.

During his visit President Todt will be meeting with representatives of the Royal Irish Automobile Club (RIAC)/Motorsport Ireland and the AA Ireland, the FIA sport and mobility member clubs in this country.

Speaking on behalf of the RIAC, President Cecil Sparks said “We are delighted to welcome the FIA President to Ireland. We look forward to engaging with him on many topics of mutual interest.”

President of Motorsport Ireland, Joe Corcoran stated, “President Todt’s visit comes at an opportune time, as we will shortly be launching a new initiative in the area of road safety and liaising with the FIA in this regard will be extremely valuable.”

 Details of the itinerary associated with the visit will be released at a later date.

30th January 2011:

Date Change: RIAC Classic Car Run from 15th May to 8th May 2011. Do you have an interesting car? Why not enter for a fun day out with like minded enthusiasts.

New Members: Entrance fees reduced to €125 to coincide with 125th anniversary of first automobile 1896. Contact Breda 00353 1 6775141 or info@riac.ie for information. This offer is available for 2011 only.

Overseas Members: To cater for an increasing number of members residing overseas a new category of membership has been created. Please contact the Secretary for further details info@riac.ie.

Clubhouse: A major refurbishment of the reception area of the clubhouse is currently taking place and will be completed shortly. However, normal services continue uninterupted.

Trevor Brooks: We are saddened to report that Trevor Brooks, who has served on the committee for more than 25 years, passed away on Thursday night last after a long illness. Trevor will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Funeral details can be obtained at www.rip.ie

Wine Bar: The month of April will see the opening of a new wine bar in our Joshua Lane property. As you are aware it was our original intention to utilise this property as office space. However, new opportunities have arisen as a result of the downturn in the office market. The wine bar's hours of business will initially be from 6pm to 12 midnight Thursday, Friday & Saturday and will be open to the public.