Government gives its provisional support to hosting The Open and the AIG Women’s Open

Government gives its provisional support to hosting The Open and the AIG Women's Open

Taoiseach Simon Harris, Catherine Martin T.D., Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, and Thomas Byrne T.D., Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, welcomed today's agreement by Government to support the hosting of The Open and the AIG Women's Open at Portmarnock Golf Club, subject to further conditions being met.

This is a significant step towards the potential hosting of these major sports events in Portmarnock Golf Club. The Department of Tourism Culture Arts Gaeltacht Sport and Media (TCAGSM) will continue to engage with Portmarnock Golf Club and The R&A to further explore the costs of hosting and to prepare a full business case for the events, in line with the Department's recently published Major International Sports Events Policy.

The Department assesses each request for support to a major event on its own merits. In particular, it is imperative to ensure that economic, participation and sports benefits are derived from any State investment.

The Open has only been hosted twice outside England or Scotland; on both occasions it was hosted in Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. It will return to Portrush in 2025.

It is estimated that up to 245,000 tickets to The Open could be sold per iteration. Should Ireland host three iterations of The Open and at least one AIG Women's Open this could result in a cumulative gross economic impact of €338 million.

Ireland already has a reputation as a world-leading golf destination and hosting these outstanding events would further enhance Ireland as a global venue for golf.

The Government has supported the successful hosting of a range of major international events to date across a number of sports and disciplines. Ireland is currently preparing to host the Ryder Cup in Limerick in 2027, in addition to co-hosting the UEFA Euro 2028 tournament, and co-hosting the T20 Men's World Cup in 2030.

The Taoiseach said:

"The potential to host The Open and the Women's Open would bring endless opportunities for the country including showcasing Ireland on the world stage and promoting equality in sport. It would also provide cultural, economic and social benefits and overall, be a major boost for the country.

"We already have a reputation as a world-leading golf destination and hosting these events would further enhance Ireland as a global destination for the sport. I look forward to the next steps to hopefully make this happen."

Minister Martin said:

"Ireland is now a step closer to holding the world's oldest and most prestigious golf championship, which would also see it being held outside the UK for the very first time. I welcome today's decision by Government in relation to the potential hosting of both The Open and the AIG Women's Open at Portmarnock Golf Club. The hosting of these events and particularly the AIG Women's Open, in Portmarnock would represent a significant moment for equality in sport and greater participation in golf and would be one of the biggest women's international sporting events ever held in Ireland. Also, the enormous value that this brings to our tourism sector, and to golf courses, communities and businesses all across the island, is well recognised."

Minister Byrne said:

"On numerous occasions, Ireland has shown that we have what it takes when it comes to successfully hosting major sports events on a global stage. Following the publication of Ireland's first-ever Major International Sports Events policy just last week, I am very glad to see our possible hosting of The Open and the AIG Women's Open advanced by the Government today. Our potential hosting of The Open and the AIG Women's Open offers many exciting possibilities including the opportunity to ensure a meaningful sports participation legacy for all to benefit from."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The Open is held solely on natural links courses, of which there are 63 on the island of Ireland, more than a quarter of the world's total. Since the return of The Open to Royal Portrush in 2019, the prospect of the championship being held in this jurisdiction has been the subject of discussion within the game of golf. Portmarnock Golf Club was identified by The R&A (The Royal and Ancient Golf Club) as the leading candidate due to its world-class reputation, its proximity to the capital city and the airport, and its capacity to host the large crowds now typical at the event.

Approval of Government is subject to the preparation of a full business case in accordance with the public spending code, further exploration of the costs of hosting the events, a guarantee of multiple hostings of these events, ensuring a meaningful sports participation legacy and a further update to be brought to Government prior to entering a binding commitment to host.