IRISH SPORT MATTERS TO
THE ECONOMY

• Sport related spending contributes €1.8 billion to the Irish economy equivalent to 1.4% of GDP
• 38,000 people or over 2% of the total Irish Economic Employment are employed through sport and sport related activities
• Irish households spend a total of €1.8 billion on sport and sport-related goods and services equivalent to over 2% of the overall value of consumer spending in the economy
• The return to the Exchequer is €149 for every €100 invested in sport
• The economic value of sports volunteers is estimated to be between €322 and €583 million per annum
  
• Special Olympics Ireland Games in June 2010 created a € 9.95 million dividend for Limerick Region with the return to the exchequer from event preparation costs and the direct expenditure levels of attendees estimated to be between €1.475 and €1.77 million
• Triathlon’s European Championship in July 2010 generated €10-15 million for the Athlone area
• Participation in sport equips people with “core” and “soft” skills which improve their employability