Ireland’s first-ever Major International Sports Events Policy and Strategy Framework published

• Important milestone for Irish sport as overarching vision set out for the hosting of major international sports events 
• Policy seeks to build on Ireland’s success in hosting major international sports events to date 
• Publication follows extensive consultation process and research of best practice internationally  

The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, and the Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne TD, have today published a new government policy and strategy framework for the hosting of Major International Sports Events. 

This is the first policy of its kind in Ireland and follows a comprehensive public consultation process, including direct engagement with sports bodies, consultation with key stakeholders and a review of comparable policies in other jurisdictions.   

The publication of the Major International Sports Events Policy and Strategy Framework stems from a commitment under the Programme for Government to develop a strategy to identify the type of major sporting events Ireland can and should bid for and how these events can be used to increase sporting participation, encourage domestic and international tourism, and promote Ireland. 

The policy, in both Irish and English, can be found here 

Speaking today, Minister Catherine Martin said: 

“It is important that when we invest in Major Sports Events we are clear about the benefits we wish to achieve from that investment. This policy and strategy framework will guide officials, national governing bodies of sport and event promoters in developing proposals for major international sports events to deliver optimal outcomes and benefits.  

“Sport-related tourism is a very significant element of world tourism, with a multi-million euro market and a huge potential for countries who position themselves correctly. Major International Sports Events provide a unique opportunity to highlight the island of Ireland as a wonderful holiday destination, as well as a top location for sporting events.” 

Minister Thomas Byrne added: 

“Ireland has proven its ability to successfully host major international sports events on numerous occasions in the past and the publication of this policy seeks to build on that success. As well as being great sporting occasions in themselves, major international sports events have the potential to drive participation in sport and create meaningful sporting legacies. They contribute to trade, tourism, community engagement, regional development and economic growth. These events also drive national pride by placing Ireland on the global stage and affect both how we see ourselves as a nation and how we are viewed internationally. 

“In publishing Ireland’s first-ever Major International Sports Events Policy and Strategy Framework, the Government is setting out a more strategic approach when it comes bidding for, and hosting, major international sports events. We want to maximise the benefits for Ireland and ensure a lasting sports participation legacy whenever Ireland hosts such events. I look forward seeing this work further advanced.”