AQW 25537/11-15

Mr Chris Lyttle
Alliance Party
East Belfast

Tabled Date: 11/09/2013
Answered On Date: 24/09/2013
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Regional Development how his Department will ensure that the Giro D'Italia 2014 leaves a lasting legacy for everyday cycling.

Answer:

My Department is represented on the Northern Ireland Local Steering Group, which is the overseeing committee organising the event. Officials from my Roads Service are involved in the operational aspects of the event through the Race Committee.

The delivery structure of the event has targeted ‘legacy’ as one of the primary objectives of the event. Whilst the Northern Ireland Tourist Board is leading this aspect of the event organisation, my Department will assist wherever possible.

Travelwise officials have contributed to a draft Legacy Plan which among other things seeks to encourage school’s participation in the event and on-going promotion of Active Travel for the journey to school as well as to encourage the wider local population to engage with cycling as a means of transport and a fun activity to get fit.