Massive security operation planned for G8 summit to be held at Lough Erne Hotel and Golf resort in June

TAXPAYERS are footing a £50 million policing bill for hosting the G8 summit in Northern Ireland.

And on Thursday, eyebrows were raised at the Policing Board when it was reveald that there are no arrangements in place to recover the eight figure sum.

Next month, the world’s eight most power leaders fly in for the summit at the Lough Erne Hotel and Golf resort in Co Fermanagh.

A massive police operation involving thousands of officers from across the UK has been arranged in anticipation of protests and the possibility of security threats.

Questions were asked at Thursday’s meeting of the Policing Board over whether the money spent will be refunded to Northern Ireland.

“Members were advised that PSNI expenditure in support of the G8 policing operation is likely to cost in the region of £50m,” explained board member Gerry Kelly.

“Whilst there have been discussions between the PSNI, the Department of Justice and Government Departments around arrangements for the PSNI costs to be met in full, assurances and timescales for refund have not been confirmed in writing.

“We are seriously concerned at PSNI carrying the risk of £50m costs without any form of written guarantee of refund.”

The G8 will take place in Enniskillen on 17 and 18 June.

Mr Kelly said the board will raise the matter with Justice Minister David Ford, Secretary of State Theresa Villiers and Chief Constable Matt Baggott at their next meeting.