There are many reasons why sport is deserving of continued government investment at least at the current “reduced” levels. It should however be realised that Government investment in sport is not a “one way street” – sport delivers very real economic benefits to the country.
Just think of the following:
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The 2009 Volvo Race Stopover in Galway created 200,000 bed nights |
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Economic impact studies show an Ireland v England rugby international is worth in excess of €80 million to Dublin |
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Attendance at matches generates €525 million each year. This money ultimately goes back into the economy in wages and other purchases |
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The economic value of sports “volunteers” has been estimated to be in excess of €250 million annually |
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Every €1 spent by the Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism under the Sports Capital Programme has been matched by €2.70 of private sector funding |
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Estimated that the global media coverage value to Limerick from Munster rugby in 2008 was €58 million. |
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