Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 January 2023
57. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will outline the preparatory work her Department and its agencies are engaged with in promoting the women’s Irish open golf tournament in Dromoland Castle later in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3610/23]
View answerThe 2022 Women's Irish Open was the first time since 2012 that women’s professional golf was played in Ireland. The event was an overwhelming success and I am delighted to see it return to Dromoland Castle again in August.
Sport Ireland negotiated a one-year partnership contract with the Ladies European Tour (LET) ahead of the 2022 event. Sport Ireland provided funding of €585,000 for the event. The sponsorship was ring-fenced towards players’ prize money, helping to make it one of the highest purses across the Ladies European Tour schedule.
Sport Ireland is in the process of negotiation with the Ladies European Tour regarding this year’s Women's Irish Open and beyond. This includes activation plans for the promotion of women’s golf on the island of Ireland, which will be led by Golf Ireland. For the 2022 event, Sport Ireland arranged several golf clinics for young girls with the professional players and it is intended that these will feature again in 2023.
Fáilte Ireland is currently in discussions with the management team in Dromoland about how best they can support them in promoting the 2023 Women's Irish Open. Those discussions are progressing in a positive way and Fáilte Ireland will include the event in domestic sales and marketing activity during 2023, together with engaging in activities agreed with the Dromoland management team.
