Sports Committee: 'We will continue to promote Ireland'

Cecilia Keaveney, chairperson of the Government Sports Committee, said despite today's unsuccessful Euro 2008 bid the Government remained committed to promoting Ireland as a country capable of hosting major sporting events.

She said: “By coming second, Ireland put up a brave fight in our attempt to stage one of the world’s biggest and greatest sporting events, but this Government will not lose heart and will continue to encourage organisers of major international sporting events to look at Ireland as a host country.

“It is clear Ireland is more than worthy of claiming its share.”

Deputy Keaveney added: “We will continue to invest in sports facilities around the country both nationally and at local level and since 1998 have provided €213.2m for almost 3,000 projects.”