Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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The Government continues to support the hosting of major sports events in Ireland and to explore further hosting opportunities.

This is evidenced by the Government’s support for events such as the US College Football Classic every August from 2022 – 2026, the hosting of the UEFA Europa League Final in 2024, the Ryder Cup in 2027 in Adare and the EURO 2028 football championships, which UEFA recently announced will be held in Ireland and the UK.

In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, a Major International Sports Events Policy is currently being developed by my Department. The aim is to establish whether and how Government should support major international sports events, the benefits it should seek to derive from such events, the supports it could offer and the kind of events it should prioritise for support. This will provide the basis for a strategy to support and attract major international sports events and an assessment model based on the identified priorities.

Safety and security at major sporting events are matters in the first instance for the event organisers and An Garda Síochána. The specific policing and security requirements vary for each major sport event as the event requirements, spectator numbers and venues are unique to each event. During planning for such major events, my Department engages with all relevant stakeholders including the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána to ensure that adequate provision is made for the safe and successful hosting of such events within Ireland.

Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 111 together.

Major Sports Events have the potential to drive participation in sport, contribute to trade and tourism as well as boost national and community pride. Major Sports Events often require Government support and input to win bids and to support delivery. This can involve supports such as funding, commercial protections, transport, security provisions as well as political support.

In July 2019, the Government approved an offer to the European Tour of a financial support package to host the Ryder Cup in 2026, now 2027 due to the deferral caused by Covid-19, and to support golf in Ireland. The Government also agreed to provide additional financial support of €8.5 million for a number of professional golf events i.e. the Irish Open, the Challenge and Legends Tour Events scheduled to take place annually in Ireland up to, and including, 2027.

Outside of these additional supports from the Department, that are directly related to the staging of the Ryder Cup in 2027, any decision to support the Irish Open is an operational matter for Sport Ireland, as the National Sport Development Authority. Neither I, nor my Department, has any role in decisions by the Authority regarding its operational funding priorities and related expenditure.

The Ryder Cup is one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world and over the coming years, Tourism Ireland will roll out an extensive programme of promotions in key international golf markets, to leverage the tourism benefits of the event.

Considerable work to date has taken place to ensure the successful delivery of the Ryder Cup in 2027 and to produce a lasting legacy in the Limerick region and in Ireland as a whole. The establishment of a Government Steering Group, a key stakeholder group along with internal working groups within Limerick City and County Council will continue to provide governance and guidance until the event.

My officials and I attended the 2023 Ryder Cup event in Rome in preparation for Ireland's hosting of the event and met with a range of key stakeholders and previous hosts. A logistical observer programme, to provide first-hand experience and knowledge of delivery for this event, was attended by representatives from Limerick City and County Council, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland.

My officials and I have recently met with key officials from the European PGA Tour, Limerick City and County Council and Adare Manor to review progress to date and the steps ahead. This meeting gave me the opportunity to re-iterate the importance of this event for the Government and to remind all present of the ambition that the 2027 Ryder Cup will meet all of its objectives in relation to the economy, tourism, wider participation and general wellbeing. I am confident that the event will deliver for all partners and for the wider benefit of the country and the game of golf.