Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Brendan Griffin for sharing his time. It is particularly gracious of him, given recent events in Croke Park.

Deputy Griffin touched upon a number of aspects. He made the point of having a 12-month tourism cycle and I agree with him that this is crucial. There is no reason not to have tourists coming to Ireland in every month of the year and in large numbers. Attractions such as Christmas markets in small towns is one excellent suggestion.

I wish to speak about a particular aspect of tourism, activity-based or sports tourism, where people travel to take part in sporting events around the country, whether a marathon, a half marathon or a triathlon. Before I became involved so actively in politics, I used to participate regularly in such sporting events. I have been to Achill and Killarney and twice to Westport. I have also travelled to the UK and to France for events.

This sports market sector of tourism is very significant as competitors spend a lot of money. There is the money spent on travelling abroad to an event or travelling to a domestic event. The kit and the registration all costs money and accommodation costs must also be catered for. I will give an example of my own expenditure. Last year I participated in the Gael Force adventure triathlon in Killary Harbour. The entrance fee for the competition was €100; I spent €200 on accommodation for two nights and another €200 during the course of the weekend. This amounts to €500 spent in Westport and only because the race was being held there. I was accompanied by a number of friends and that resulted in €4,000 being spent in Westport. Three of my friends had travelled from the UK so this was new money into Ireland. The race attracted 3,000 competitors. If each competitor spent as much as I spent that weekend, this amounts to more than €1 million into the Westport economy in one weekend.

This is a very lucrative event for the area of Westport and the town is to be commended on branding itself as a destination for activity events. These events provide a new opening for tourism revenue. Money came into the town of Westport during the Gael Force festival and this came from first-time visitors and those from abroad and also repeat visitors. For instance, once I had visited the town I was prepared to return on further visits and a few months later I returned to compete in a 10 km adventure race called Turf Guy. I am hoping to compete again this year. This event will bring more money into Westport.

Competitors in these events are young with a high disposable income. They may not have mortgage costs or dependants and they can spend their money on sporting activities. Ireland should be marketed as a destination for more international sporting events and sports tourism as this could provide significant revenue from people with high disposable incomes who spend their money in a way that is good for them and good for the local economies. I know the Minister of State is aware of my views but anything he can do in this regard would be very welcome.

The Volvo Ocean Race will be held next year. I wish the Chinese-Irish team the best of luck. I wished them well as they sailed from the River Liffey. I applaud the initiative on the part of the tourist board and the race will be a great event for Ireland. This is the type of event we should encourage and use to our advantage. I attended a Diaspora Matters event a few nights ago which was to highlight our networks abroad, of which the Volvo Ocean Race is another example. There are so many Irish people and those with Irish links living all over the world and they are all willing to become involved in related events and activities, to play a part in the renewal of the country and to help attract people to the country. This Bill is an important measure and along with other initiatives from the Minister's Department, it is very welcome.

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