Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 June 2026
118. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the current status of any application submitted in support of the Grand Départ of the Tour de France being considered for Counties Clare, Limerick and Galway, and the wider Wild Atlantic Way corridor; if any engagement has taken place with cycling and tourism bodies on the subject; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44128/26]
View answerThe Government continues to support the hosting of major sports events in Ireland and to explore further hosting opportunities. This was evidenced most recently by the Government’s successful delivery of the first-ever National Football League (NFL) regular season game at Croke Park in September last year which delivered a major economic boost to the country.
Upcoming major international sports events in Ireland include the Ryder Cup in 2027 in Adare and the co-hosting of the UEFA EURO 2028 football championship with the UK. The EURO 2028 event will see seven matches taking place in Dublin including a quarter-final.
In relation to the strategy to attract these events, a government policy and strategy framework for the hosting of Major International Sports Events was published in 2024. In implementing this policy framework, my Department works closely with a range of partners including National Governing Bodies, local authorities and other state agencies in evaluating and delivering the events.
Before my Department and Government commits public monies to supporting the hosting of a major sports event in Ireland, a significant range of factors needs to be taken into account. These factors include the projected cost to the State, the expected economic benefits accruing to the State, and the proposed event’s capacity to contribute to wider policy objectives, such as increasing physical activity and participation in sport.
In relation to the specific event referred to by the Deputy, my officials are currently engaging with Cycling Ireland on potential proposals for major cycling events. These discussions are at an early stage and any decision to provide Government support would need to be consistent with the framework and include an assessment of the economic, sporting and social impact of the events in question.
