MLC questions why DoI foots bill for annual TT Course maintenance

Argues departments are not being held accountable for costs 'in the right areas'

An MLC has questioned why the Department of Infrastructure foots the maintenance bill for the TT course rather than the Department for Enterprise which oversees the racing fortnight.

Dawn Kinnish has been a political member of the DoI since 2023 and has recently been given responsibility for highways.

In Tynwald this week she said departments are not being held accountable for costs 'in the right areas'.

She told members if she was going to organise an event she wouldn't 'expect someone else to cover the costs of it':

It's not just the TT which incurs costs to the DoI but also other racing events including the Manx Grand Prix.

This year will see the reintroduction of the Classic TT which will run alongside the MGP in an expanded 12-day programme from 17-29 August.

In December last year Infrastructure Minister Michelle Haywood said the estimated cost to the DoI would be around £20,000.

She said the extra cost would be for equipment and staff adding this figure 'could potentially double' if contingency sessions are used during August's meeting.

In that Tynwald written answer Dr Haywood stated the department traditionally has funded road racing works through the highways' maintenance budget.