Update: World Sporting Events – Sports and Tourism 1st October, 2014

Dáil Question
No: 35

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which it may be possible to build on recent success in attracting world sporting events to this country; the extent to which his Department remains in contact with national and international sporting organisations in this context; the extent to which contacts appear positive; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

– Bernard J. Durkan.

For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 1st October, 2014.
　
　
Ref No:
36739/14

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.   The Giro D’Italia and the American Football match between the University of Central Florida and Penn State earlier this year shows that the island of Ireland can successfully host large international events.
 
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.     In that context, I was delighted to see that the FAI and Dublin City Council recently won their bid to host part of the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament at the Aviva stadium, a bid which had my strong support and indeed the support of the Government as a whole. This is a fantastic opportunity to host a premier international tournament.  
 
In relation to the potential hosting of the Rugby World Cup in 2023, the working group comprising the IRFU and relevant Government Departments from both jurisdictions, have submitted their report and its conclusions and recommendations are currently being considered.