Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 36: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the details of the meetings he has had recently with representatives from the tourist industry and of Horse Racing Ireland on efforts to market Punchestown racecourse as an Irish version of Cheltenham; the details of such a strategy; the potential benefits for the tourist industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28325/05]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Horse Racing Ireland has a long-standing relationship with Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland in jointly promoting Ireland as a destination for racing tourism. Horse Racing Ireland estimates approximately 60,000 UK visitors come racing here each year and the three agencies consider that there is substantial potential for growth.

Following requests from the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism to explore possible synergies between the agencies, Horse Racing Ireland specifically identified the Punchestown Festival as an attractive option to grow inbound racing tourism. Discussions between Horse Racing Ireland and the tourism agencies are well under way to explore and develop this option.

Punchestown has a number of clear advantages. It already attracts some 7,000 UK visitors who tend to regard Punchestown as the second Cheltenham and a chance to renew the friendly Anglo-Irish rivalry on the racetrack. It features the top horses, jockeys and trainers from both countries. The two events combined represent the pinnacle of national hunt racing in these islands. Recent Irish successes at Cheltenham's Festival, a record nine winners in 2005, ensures Irish racing is held in the highest regard in Britain. Irish racing has a real price advantage vis-À-vis UK racing. In 2005, the reserved enclosure Cheltenham Festival ticket costs approximately £60 per day whilethe Punchestown equivalent costs just €35 per day. This combined with the euro currency advantage gives exceptional value to UK racegoers.

Punchestown's timing in late April is ideal for early season tourism. It drives tourism into County Kildare while benefiting from Dublin's infrastructure. Punchestown facilities are state-of-the-art and capable of accommodating significant increases in attendances. It has a first class corporate package which attracts many blue-chip British companies, high value business with spin-offs for hotels, car hire and golf courses. Horse Racing Ireland will increase its marketing spend on UK tourism drives by at least 50% in 2006. This, combined with Fáilte Ireland and Punchestown's own marketing plans, will mark a dedicated three-year programme to build the Punchestown Festival into a major tourist event.