Expanding the MGP and Classic TT back to its fortnight schedule will cost Manx Care around £130,000.
The return of the fortnight festival was announced earlier this year after the controversial shortened event failed to bring back visitors.
Asked about the extra cost of the longer event, Health and Social Care Minister Claire Christian said Manx Care’s estimate is made up “primarily from extra cover to support front-line services such as the Ambulance Service, Emergency Department and Radiology”.
She added: “In addition, there may be additional requirement for the helicopter which supplements the Isle of Man Ambulance Service capabilities to access areas of the island that are difficult to get to via road ambulance, particularly during closed roads.
“No specific funding has been allocated to Manx Care, or its predecessor organisation, to support motorsport events. These events were in place before the establishment of Manx Care and included in existing revenue budgets.”
Infrastructure
DoI Minister Dr Michelle Haywood was also quizzed about the cost her department would incur, also by Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper.
She said the extra cost would be spent on “pre-sweeping the TT course prior to road closures on race days, provision of standby sweepers during racing and costs associated with operating the TT Access Road”.
Dr Haywood added: “It is estimated that the additional costs to the Department for providing the above services will be in the region of £20,000 for equipment and staff costs. If the contingency race days are utilised, this figure could potentially double.
“Traditionally, the Department has funded road racing works through the Highways maintenance budgets.”
4 Comments