New arrangements could be in place for next year

While the Department for Regional Development has no responsibility for sporting policy or funding, it does facilitates road racing events by making road closing orders.

Danny Kennedy said: “Every year tens of thousands of people attend car and motor cycle road racing events across Northern Ireland. Motor sport significantly benefits our economy particularly in terms of tourism and support for local businesses.

“This is a cross-departmental issue and I have consulted with my Executive colleagues with responsibility in these areas and I welcome their support for the changes I am proposing.

“I have also taken the views of the ‘2 and 4 Wheel Motorsport Steering Group’ and other stakeholders into consideration in developing what I consider to be a realistic and balanced solution to the problems that our predictably unpredictable weather creates.

“It is entirely realistic that the new arrangements could be in place early next year in time for the 2014 Motor Sport season.” The Consultation is open until 7 October 2013 and can be found at http://www.drdni.gov.uk/publications-details.htm?docid=9008