Vol. 467 No. 4
16 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade whether he supports the hosting by Ireland of stages of the Tour de France; if so, the State support, if any, that will be forthcoming in respect of this event; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13437/96]
46 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the plans, if any, he has to assist in having a stage of the Tour de France, 1998, held in Ireland with the official start held in Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary, as a tribute to Seán Kelly and to include Waterford city in its itinerary. [13439/96]
59 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade whether he will make funding available to ensure that the start of the 1998 Tour de France takes places in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13116/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 46 and 59 together.
I would like to see the Tour de France come to Ireland in 1998 as has been proposed. The scale of financial assistance required to make this possible, however, is beyond the resources of my Department. It would require a co-ordinated response on the part of Government, covering a number of Departments and State agencies and the relevant local authorities. I have undertaken over the coming weeks to explore with appropriate Ministers the prospects of bringing the tour to Ireland. As to the route the tour might take in Ireland, this would be a matter for the tour organisers to decide in the first instance.
I understand from media coverage that the Minister has a particular preference with regard to the location that might be visited. Does he agree with the Waterford Deputies in terms of their wishes in that regard? How realistic are the prospects of Ireland hosting a stage of the Tour de France and what progress has been made in that regard?
The prospects are real. The Tour de France is organised by a highly qualified professional organisation and there is no room for sponsorship outside those who have been involved for a number of years. It is one of the largest sporting events in the world — with television rights extended to 100 countries, reaching an estimated 960 million people. An entourage of about 3,500 to 4,000 people travels constantly with the tour. Every second year the organisers offer to individual countries the opportunity to host the prologue and a stage or so of the tour, and an offer has been made to Ireland in that regard. I have had a number of meetings, the most recent of which was with three eminent members involved in the cycling business, at which the options were discussed in a clear and realistic fashion. I have undertaken to discuss the matter with my colleagues and to report back in due course.
Is the State expected to provide the £2 million or will it be possible to raise the money by a combination of State funding and sponsorship?
There is no scope for sponsorship from corporations or private companies in Ireland. The money would have to be provided by State resources, State agencies or local authorities.
In France, for instance, towns, cities or boroughs are charged a substantial fee for the start and for the ending of a stage of the tour and it is in that context I want to discuss the options with my colleagues.
Does the Minister believe his Department is ready to take full advantage of a decision that may be taken to hold stages of the Tour de France in this country having regard to the entourage he mentioned and the large number of potential tourists who may consider coming here to watch the event? Their interest in cycling matters would be a major factor in their decision to visit this country. Is the Minister aware that cycling tourists arriving in Ireland through Dublin Airport find difficulty in travelling to the city centre because the signposts indicate that the only route is along the motorway? Those problems should be addressed now rather than later when we may discover that we are unable to cater for such tourists.
We are capable of catering for an influx of visitors to Ireland for large events such as this. It is important that we not only market the country as a friendly and attractive location but that we are also in a position to host a series of important events around which tourists can plan their holidays. The entourage to which I referred would not be travelling by air in this instance——
I am talking about after the event.
——were it to be realised. I am sure this is a local authority and Aer Rianta problem and no doubt the Deputy has had discussions with them about it. I will take note of the Deputy's comments, however, as I realise it would be frustrating for cycling tourists wishing to travel into the city centre to be directed down a motorway. These practical matters can be rectified.
