Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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592. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding Ireland's application to host the rugby world cup in view of the availability of numerous stadia throughout the island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42429/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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On 25 September, the Taoiseach and I spearheaded the delegation that presented Ireland's bid to host the Rugby World Cup tournament in 2023. The delegation included, amongst others, Dick Spring, Chairman, Ireland 2023 Oversight Board; Philip Browne, Chief Executive, IRFU; David Sterling, Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service; and Brian O'Driscoll, Ireland's Bid Ambassador.

Ireland has the capacity required to deliver a highly successful Rugby World Cup, with an ideal mix of stadia with varying capacities to cater for different tournament matches and located in the heart of our cities and communities. Five of these stadia have hosted international rugby before, and Croke Park is Europe's third largest stadium. The location, size and mix of our stadia would provide a unique atmosphere for a Rugby World Cup hosted in Ireland.

The decision regarding the successful bidder will be announced by World Rugby on 15 November 2017.