Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2020
1030. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be provided for a special sporting event (details supplied) in County Cork in June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2670/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe hosting of international sports events, both participative and spectator sports, can provide great opportunities to showcase Ireland and drive international visitor numbers and associated revenue. Furthermore, the media coverage of such events helps to put Ireland onto travel itineraries as a holiday destination.
Accordingly, I am very supportive of the work of the tourism agencies and the national governing bodies of sport to attract international events, subject, of course, to an assessment of the costs and benefits involved in any State financial support, in particular the number of overseas visitors.
In terms of tourism funding, with the exception of capital funding for Greenways projects, all monies voted to my Department for tourism are channelled through the two tourism agencies – Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. When it comes to providing State financial support for specific events, such decisions are a matter for agency decision, based on their assessment of a detailed business case and the costs and benefits accruing.
On the matter of the particular event referenced by the Deputy, which is due to take place in Cork later this year, I am happy to report that Fáilte Ireland’s Meet in Ireland team, together with colleagues in the Cork Convention Bureau, have been working with the event organisers, providing relevant advice and practical support. With specific regard to financial supports, I can also confirm that this event has been approved for Fáilte Ireland funding on the basis of its application.
