Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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121. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will consider making an application for a future stage of the Tour de France to be held in Ireland, potentially in 2028 to mark the 30th anniversary of its only ever time to be held in this country; if he will prioritise the south east, in particular Carlow and Kilkenny, as part of the route selection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36303/25]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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One of the first major international sporting events held in Ireland was the Grand Départ of the Tour de France in 1998 and I would of course welcome its return to this island at some point in the future. It would be a real showcase for the spectacular scenery that Ireland has to offer, including in the south east.

Major international sporting events can play a key role in increasing sporting participation, boosting domestic and international tourism and promoting Ireland as a destination for education and business opportunities. They present a wonderful opportunity to showcase the island of Ireland and our world-class tourism and sports offering to Europe and the world. The Government continues to support the hosting of major sports events in Ireland and to explore further hosting opportunities.

The 2024 government policy and strategy framework for the hosting of Major International Sporting Events is the first of its kind in Ireland and fulfils a commitment under the previous Programme for Government. The policy provides a framework in relation to how Government should support major international sporting events, the benefits it should seek to derive from such events, the supports it could offer and the kind of events it would prioritise. This framework and its further development will guide future bid activity and ensure Ireland remains competitive and strategic in pursuing these opportunities.

With regards to the Deputy's specific reference to the hosting of a stage of the Tour De France, back in 2023 my officials met with counterparts from Northern Ireland on several occasions to examine a north-south proposal to host a future iteration of the Grand Départ. However, notification was received from the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland that, due to funding pressures, it had decided to cease its work on the proposed joint bid. Accordingly, given that the project was envisaged as a north-south all-island initiative, the Department did not proceed further with the proposal. Should the opportunity arise again to consider a bid to host the Grand Départ or any stage of the Tour de France, the experience gained through this process will be of use to any such future consideration.