§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what resources are made available from(a) the Safety at Sports Grounds Fund and (b) other public funding sources for organisers to carry out essential safety improvements and maintenance for each motorcycle racing event in Northern Ireland. [178555]
§ Angela SmithNo funding from the Sports Council Safe Sports Grounds fund has been made available for organisers to carry out essential safety improvements and maintenance for each motorcycle racing event in Northern Ireland. Approximately £175,000 has previously been provided by my Department via the Sports Council for Northern Ireland for essential safety work at motorcycle road racing circuits. Moreover, organisers may be able to avail of public funding for essential safety improvements and maintenance for motorcycle racing events from monies provided by the Sports Council to the 2 & 4 Wheel Motor Sport Steering Group Ltd., the umbrella group of motor sports governing bodies and which also represents organisers of motorcycle racing events in Northern Ireland.
§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals his Department has for taking forward the development of a motorsports facility for Northern Ireland which meets international standards. [178699]
§ Angela SmithMy Department currently has no proposals for taking forward the development of a motorsports facility for Northern Ireland which meets international standards. However, as part of their strategic plan, the governing bodies of motorsport in Northern Ireland, as represented by the two and four Wheel Motorsport Steering Group Ltd., have initiated an 'Expressions of Interest' exercise in relation to the development of such a facility. The outcome of this exercise is expected to be announced by the two and four Wheel Motorsport Steering Group Ltd. on the week commencing 21 June.