Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 December 2023
105. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media how preparations to host the 2024 Europa League final are progressing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55744/23]
View answerThe Europa League is Europe’s secondary club football tournament, second only to the Champions League. In July 2021, UEFA announced that due to the withdrawal of hosting rights for UEFA EURO 2020 (due to Covid-19), the Aviva Stadium in Dublin was being awarded the hosting rights for the 2024 Europa League Final.
Hosting an event of this profile is an important opportunity for the FAI, the stadium, Dublin City and the country, especially in the context of UEFA's recent announcement that Ireland will co-host EURO 2028 with the UK.
Departmental officials have been liaising with the FAI, Dublin City Council, Government Departments and state agencies in preparation for the event. The project will be co-ordinated by the FAI as hosts, with my Department co-ordinating Government support where required. A number of operational, co-ordination and strategic groups have already been established and are expected to operate up to the delivery of the event with officials from my Department attending as required.
With the assistance of Government, Dublin City Council will provide a fan festival, host city dressing, mobility signage and fan meeting points. In addition, the State is also coordinating on public transport solutions for supporters and any additional policing that might be required around the event.
I am confident that all of the partners working together will ensure a successful hosting of the final.
