Update: International Sporting Events 1st July 2014

1st July 2014 - Bernard Durkan TD

Dáil Question
No: 231,237 and 238

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which any further discussions have taken place with national or international sporting organisations with a view to attracting events to this country which could have a beneficial effect on tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

– Bernard J. Durkan.

* For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 26th June, 2014.

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Ref No:

27733/14 Proof: 257

Dáil Question
No:

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which national and international sporting events can be coordinated to maximise the benefit to the economy with particular reference to the need to avoid where possible tax event clashing thereby providing for steady economic progress throughout the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – Bernard J. Durkan. * For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 26th June, 2014. ã€€ã€€ Ref No: 27739/14 Proof: 263

Dáil Question
No:

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which this country continues to be marketed abroad as a venue for major sporting events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – Bernard J. Durkan. * For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 26th June, 2014. ã€€ã€€ Ref No: 27740/14 Proof: 264

Answered by the Minister of State for Sports and Tourism
Michael Ring

REPLY

The hosting of major sports events can deliver additional international visits and helps to put Ireland onto travel itineraries as a holiday destination. I am supportive of the ongoing efforts of the Tourism Agencies and the National Governing Bodies of Sport to attract international events, subject, of course, to an assessment of the costs/benefits involved in any State financial support. The agencies also pay due regard to the existing calendar of events in Ireland, to maximise overall visitor numbers, but clearly the State cannot control the decisions of non-governmental bodies that may host events.

The hosting of the Giro D’Italia earlier this year, and the Irish Open over the past week showed that the island of Ireland can successfully host large international events and ensure that participants and spectators alike have a great experience when they visit our shores. Later in the year, Croke Park will host the American Football match between the University of Central Florida and Penn State. This will build on the success of the Navy-Notre Dame game in 2012.

In relation to the potential hosting of the Rugby World Cup in 2023, Minister Varadkar and I met with our Ministerial colleagues from Northern Ireland responsible for tourism and sport last January. We established a working group to examine some key issues and to report back to us in the Summer. The working group, on which the IRFU and relevant Government Departments from both jurisdictions are represented, has held a number of meetings to date. I look forward to receiving their report later in the Summer.

The Government is also very supportive of the FAI and Dublin City Council’s recent bid to host part of the European Soccer Championships in 2020 at the Aviva stadium.

Bernard Durkan TD

Kildare North

Bernard J Durkan is the Fine Gael spokesperson on Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. Originally from Killasser, Co Mayo,…

Update: International Sporting Events 1st July 2014

Bernard Durkan TD

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