Alan Farrell (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I add my voice to this very interesting discussion on the potential to bring new people into the State through supporting sports organisations. In my own community in Malahide we hosted a one-day international cricket game between Ireland and England which was a tremendous success, with 10,000 to 11,000 people descending on Malahide. The game was played in a purpose-built, temporary stadium at Malahide Cricket Club. The Ministers were present on the day and very impressed. The potential to develop such venues and attract entirely new people to Ireland for cricket games on a regular basis is enormous and could yield substantial returns for the State and local businesses.

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