Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 June 2013
14. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions, if any, he has taken to advance the IRFU's bid for the Rugby World Cup in 2023 or 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31069/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra35. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the possibility of Ireland bidding to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023 or 2027. [30937/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 35 together.
I am fully supportive of the concept of hosting the Rugby World Cup in Ireland but it is, of course, a matter for the IRFU to prepare and submit a bid. The IRFU recently presented to Minister Varadkar and myself a feasibility study which they commissioned on the potential for hosting the tournament. The findings of that report are being considered.
The support of other sporting organisations would be an important element in the bid process and I am pleased to note that on 23 March delegates at the GAA Congress approved a motion which would allow the inclusion of Croke Park and other GAA grounds in the list of venues that would be used for matches if Ireland was selected as the host country for the tournament.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment that event tourism will be prioritised in order to continue to bring major events to Ireland. As well as the primary purpose of bringing spectators to our shores, the hosting of sports events can provide a great showcase for Ireland. Fáilte Ireland continues to support the holding of sports and other events that can boost tourism and, where appropriate, will provide advice and assistance to the sporting body which is seeking to secure an international event. I understand that Fáilte Ireland has engaged with the IRFU in this regard and are considering the likely tourism impact of hosting the tournament.
The bid has also been discussed with the Northern Ireland Minister for Tourism, Arlene Foster MLA, and Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Carál Ní Chuilín MLA. They have met with the IRFU and have also indicated their support for a bid.
