Written answers

Wednesday, 2 July 2025

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Sports Events

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Photo of Peter CleerePeter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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126. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment for an update on the major international sports events policy and strategy framework; the major sporting events being targeted for Ireland over the coming five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36315/25]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Major international sports events can play a key role in increasing sporting participation, encourage domestic and international tourism and also promote Ireland as a destination for education and business opportunities. They present a wonderful opportunity to showcase 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. This is evidenced by the Government’s support for events such as:

  • the US College Football Classic series which has been running annually since 2022 with this year's edition featuring Kansas State and Iowa State universities
  • the UEFA Europa League Final in Dublin last year
  • the first-ever National Football League (NFL) regular season game at Croke Park in September this year
  • the Ryder Cup in 2027 in Limerick
  • the co-hosting of the UEFA EURO 2028 football championship with the UK
  • the proposed co-hosting of the 2030 T20 Cricket World Cup with the UK
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.

It will be appreciated that bidding processes for major sports events can be very complex, and that confidential commercial information and non-disclosure agreements are key features of such processes. Additionally, such bidding processes will typically feature other potential interested parties so, for the reasons outlined above, I am not able to specify which events my Department is currently engaged with or considering future engagement with. However, I can confirm any engagements by my Department in this regard are guided by the key determining factors as set out in the new policy framework. This includes an assessment of the economic, sporting and social impact of the events in question.

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