Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 November 2015
169. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects to be in a position to use sport as a means of promoting tourism and investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39728/15]
View answerSports events can generate additional international visits and help 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, in conjunction with their colleagues in Northern Ireland where appropriate, to attract international events and to support other events, both participatory and spectator, subject, of course, to an assessment of the costs and benefits involved.
During 2015 €10 million of sports tourism business was confirmed and the current pipeline is strong with an estimated value of up to €70 million of confirmed and potential events for Ireland to 2020. This includes the high profile events such as the College Football Classic (Boston College Vs Georgia Tech) next September which will bring in an estimated 15,000 visitors.
The IRFU has also been successful in its bid to host the Women's Rugby World Cup in 2017 and the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive are supporting the preparation of a joint bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023. We can also look forward to staging part of the UEFA EURO 2020 soccer championships.
We will continue to look for opportunities to grow tourism and develop sport in Ireland by hosting sports events with overseas revenue generating potential. I have asked Fáilte Ireland to provide the Deputy with further details regarding upcoming sports tourism events supported by them. Please notify my private office if you do not receive a reply from Fáilte Ireland within ten working days.
