Sailors and sailing clubs around Ireland have an opportunity to make their voices heard on the hosting of major sporting events in Ireland via a new public consultation.
The main objectives of this consultation — consisting of five multiple choice questions — are to seek views and understand people’s attitudes towards major international sports events, and the role of Government in supporting them. It will also assist in the development of a policy to underpin a subsequent strategy.
“It is the Government’s intention to bring a more strategic approach to the bidding for major events, to maximise the benefits and to work towards making Ireland a destination for Major International Sports Events,” Minister of State for Sport and the Gaeltacht, Jack Chambers said.
“I look forward to reading the responses from a wide range of the Irish public and I particularly hope to hear from national governing bodies of sport, other major event stakeholders and all those involved with sport in Ireland.”
While it comes on the heels of the recent disappointment for Cork losing its America’s Cup bid, it’s also a chance to emphasise Ireland’s potential based on the success of events previously staged here and already planned.
From the ISAF Youth Worlds in 2012 to the Laser Euros and World Championships and even the Tall Ships Races, and venues from Dun Laoghaire to Howth to Cork hosting world-class events, Ireland has a proven track record in welcoming the globe to our doorstep arguably more than any other sport.
And this year is no exception, as our own WM Nixon recently outlined a bumper summer of events with international import.
The consultation is available on the Gov.ie website and remains open until Thursday 26 May.
