Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 December 2013
412. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he intends to pursue a strategy to increase the number of visitors to this country in association with major sporting events in the racing, golf, Gaelic football, rugby, soccer and hurling calendars in the future having particular regard to success in this area in the past; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55083/13]
View answer416. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to encourage the hosting of major sporting events in this jurisdiction with the objective of maximising opportunities for economic growth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55087/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 412 and 416 together.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment that event tourism will be prioritised in order to continue to bring major events to Ireland. The hosting of major sports events, both participative and spectator sports, can provide a great showcase for Ireland, drive international visitor numbers and the media coverage of sports tourism events helps to put Ireland onto travel itineraries as a holiday destination.
Accordingly 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 this regard, I look forward to the Giro d'Italia and the Penn State-UCL American Football game coming to Ireland next year.
Other important sporting events take place each year, for example the GAA All-Ireland series, the Six Nations rugby and the Irish Open. Where appropriate, the tourism bodies work with these and other sporting bodies to maximise the tourism benefit of events. For example, the Irish Open receives significant support from Fáilte Ireland.
