'It's ours to lose': Pressure on Ireland not to scuttle its bid to host €500m America’s Cup

Cork business leaders fear fallout from the Zappone affair could affect the Irish bid to host the prestigious yacht race in 2024

The Irish bid to host the America's Cup has been championed by Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney who faces a no-confidence motion on Wednesday. Picture: Carlo Borlenghi/Sea&See

The Government is under pressure from Cork’s business leaders to keep Ireland’s bid for the 2024 America’s Cup yacht race afloat amid fears that the political fallout from the Katherine Zappone affair could derail it.

Cork Chamber, vintners, and hoteliers have urged the Government to commit to spending an estimated €150m to stage the huge global sporting event in and around Cork Harbour ahead of an expected decision from race organisers tomorrow that Ireland is their preferred bidder ahead of Jeddah and Valencia.