Written answers

Tuesday, 16 October 2012

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Sporting Events

Photo of Gerry AdamsGerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has had any discussions with the Irish Rugby Football Union or other organisations in relation to plans for Ireland to bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44125/12]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I have met with the IRFU and I am fully supportive of their preparation of a bid to host the Rugby World Cup in Ireland. It is a matter for the IRFU to prepare and submit a bid and they are currently exploring the possibilities in this regard.  

The Programme for Government includes a commitment that event tourism will be prioritised in order to continue to bring major events to Ireland. As well as bringing spectators to our shores, the hosting of sports events can provide a great showcase for Ireland.  Fáilte Ireland continues to support the holding of sports and other events that can boost tourism and, where appropriate, will provide advice and assistance to the sporting body which is seeking to secure an international event.  I understand that Fáilte Ireland has engaged with the IRFU in this regard.   

The support of other sporting organisations would be an important element in the bid process and I am pleased to note that the GAA's Central Council has already indicated its support and will bring forward a proposal to next year's Congress regarding the use of some GAA grounds.  

I understand from the IRFU that the Northern Ireland Minister for Tourism, Arlene Foster MLA, and Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Carál Ní Chuilín MLA, have also indicated their support for a bid.

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