Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 March 2017
275. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to have discussions with the major sporting organisations with a view to encourage the use of this country as an international venue for sporting events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14516/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe hosting of major sports events, both participative and spectator sports, can provide great opportunities to showcase Ireland and drive international visitor numbers. In addition, the media coverage of sports events helps to put Ireland onto travel itineraries as a holiday destination.
Accordingly, I am very 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 particular the number of overseas visitors.
For example, the Government assisted the IRFU in its successful bid to host the Women's Rugby World Cup which will take place in 2017. The Government also supported the FAI in its successful bid to host four games as part the UEFA Euro 2020 football championship and the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive are supporting the IRFU in its preparation of a bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023. Ireland has successfully passed the Applicant Phase of that process and is now through to the Candidate Phase. The Governments will be working very closely with the IRFU to ensure that the best possible bid is lodged with World Rugby next June to bring the Rugby World Cup to Ireland in 2023. A final decision will be made by World Rugby in November 2017.
A number of other international sports events are due to be hosted in Ireland in 2017 with the support of Government. They include the International Taekwon-Do World Championships, the European Senior Bowling Championships, the Junior Touch Championships, the Japan Karate Association World Championships, the Youth World Coarse Fishing Championships, the Grand Masters Hockey Celtic Cup, the FIBA Under 18 Women's European Basketball Championships.
