Press Release

Print

02/02/2010

News Release: 2 February 2010

 

 

Cullen announces Government commitment of €4 million for Galway’s Stopover Bid for the 2011-2012 Volvo Ocean Race

 

 

Martin Cullen TD, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism has announced (Tuesday 2 February 2010) that the Government has committed €4 million in support of Irish promoters – Let’s Do it Global’s - bid to the global organisers for Galway to host a port stopover in the forthcoming 2011 – 2012 Volvo Ocean Race.

 

Minister Martin Cullen said: “The Government strongly supported the 2009 Volvo Ocean Race Galway stopover – which was the only stopover in Ireland and Great Britain of this race, which is the world’s premier yacht race for professional racing crews. The stopover and its associated festival events, proved very popular and successful with significant economic impact as shown in the Deloitte * consulting report.”

 

The Minister added: “The Government through Fáilte Ireland is prepared, subject to appropriate contractual arrangements, and commensurate funding from the private sector, to provide financial support of €4 million towards the 2011 - 2012 event - should the bid for Galway to be a host port be successful. This decision is based on anticipated economic returns and tourism benefits in terms of international publicity and the attraction of visitors from overseas.”

 

Minister Cullen wished Let’s Do it Global principal organisers, John Killeen and Enda O Coineen every success with their bid saying: “You may be fully assured of the Government’s enthusiasm and support for Galway and the west of Ireland to be part once again, of the global network of ocean race ports. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you and your colleagues on the success of the 2009 Galway stopover and all the associated benefits that accrued to Ireland.”

 

 

ENDS

 

Editor’s note: *

  • The overall impact of the Volvo Ocean Race on Galway and Ireland was €55.8m.
  • 650,000 spectators attended the Race Village in Galway or watched race related activities.
  • It is estimated that the global television audience for the event in Galway was up to 1.3 billion.
  • More than 200,000 accommodation bed nights were associated with the event.
  • An estimated 40,500 overseas visitors were attracted to Galway.

 

 

Issued by: Michelle Hoctor, 01 6313876/Colin Toomey, 01 6313838