IRFU wants £25k for rugby world cup study

THE Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) wants £25k to do a feasibility study on hosting the World Cup in 2023 but a meeting between the Sports and Tourism Ministers was recently cancelled until the GAA makes its position clear on the use of its grounds.

By Kevin Mullan

Published 24th Feb 2013, 13:00 BST

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster said she was due to meet Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín on Tuesday, January 8, 2013 to discuss the issue;

But this was postponed by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) until the GAA makes its position clear.

“The IRFU has requested a contribution of £25,000 (+VAT) from Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) to undertake a feasibility study. “I granted approval for this expenditure in December 2012,” she stated.

She also refused to drawn on whether any consideration has been given to submitting a bid to host the 2022 Ryder Cup.

Mrs Foster stated: “My department, through the NITB, is committed to identifying opportunities for Northern Ireland to host major events.

“However plans and discussions on major events always need to be kept confidential due to the risk of jeopardising negotiations.”