§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what support the Government will provide to ensure the development of Ravenhill Rugby Ground to enable it to meet current standards. [170245]
§ Angela SmithThe Government have already provided, through the Sports Council for Northern Ireland's Interim Safe Sports Grounds Scheme, £559,981 to the Ulster Branch of the Irish Rugby Football Union to support essential health and safety works at Ravenhill Rugby Ground. We are also currently engaged in discussions with the Ulster Branch about a wide range of issues facing Rugby in Northern Ireland, including the further development of Ravenhill Rugby Ground and the possibility of additional Government support. Until the present discussions are concluded, it would be inappropriate to comment on whether and to what extent additional Government support might be provided to enable the Ground to meet current standards.