Independent TD Matt Shanahan has criticised the government for failing to recognise the “massive potential” of bringing the FIA World Rally Championship to Ireland between 2025 and 2027. Deputy Shanahan likened the Rally’s financial appeal to that of the Tall Ships Festival and argued that the government’s failure to commit to hosting the Championship before the agreed closing date was a “complete dereliction” of their responsibility.
“Engagement with the government regarding the hugely positive news that Ireland was being offered hosting of the Rally Championship began in July of last year, and a comprehensive plan of action was presented to the government in September,” Deputy Shanahan stated.
According to Deputy Shanahan, Waterford City & County Council had agreed to provide buildings to support international media, along with the quayside for pitlane use. Waterford Port had also agreed to make additional parking available, and many local hotels had already received bookings from visitors expecting to attend.
“There’s no excuse for this rally roadblock, and civil servants shouldn’t be blamed,” Deputy Shanahan said. “The obvious economic benefits of an event like this are evident to all but the government leadership. I have been in contact with Minister Byrne (Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education, and the Gaeltacht) to try to secure a positive announcement, and I contacted all government leadership over the weekend as I knew that decision time was imminent, but they remained conspicuously silent.”
On Monday, April 15, Motorsport Ireland received confirmation from Minister Thomas Byrne that his department would need “at least six months” to undertake further independent economic assessments and analysis of our proposal, thus missing out on the closing date for bids. The hosting of the world-renowned rally was previously estimated to bring a €300 million windfall to the Irish economy.
“It is truly astounding to witness the overspends that have been allowed in Cabinet constituency projects without a word of comment, and yet value-for-money metrics are scrutinised at every turn once a project like this is mentioned,” Deputy Shanahan concluded. “This represents a complete dereliction of government responsibility in terms of supporting the southeast region economy and the development of our tourism and amenity offerings.”