Ireland to host European final

Dublin is to host the 2011 UEFA Cup final, it was announced today.

The Football Association of Ireland and Dublin City Council today confirmed that a new stadium on the Lansdowne Road site has been selected to host the event, which will be rebranded as the UEFA Europa League final from July 2009.

The new stadium, which is on target for completion in 2010, has received a Government funding contribution of €191m and is being built by the FAI and the IRFU.

The event will also provide a boost to Dublin tourism. Based on previous estimates, cities can expect to generate revenues in the region of €30m from hosting a UEFA Cup final which will be watched by a global audience of 40 million viewers.

Welcoming the successful bid, John Delaney, FAI chief executive said: "Europe’s top clubs will play out the 40th final of the UEFA Cup in Dublin in 2011.

"This is a significant coup, for our new stadium and for Ireland. I would like to pay particular thanks to Dublin City Council and the Government for their help in mounting this winning bid, against stiff competition from all over Europe.

"I also acknowledge the role of industry partners including the DAA, An Garda Siochána, Dublin Tourism, Dublin Bus, Iarnróid Eireann, IHF, RPA, Dublin Tourism and the Dublin Chamber of Commerce and thank them for their support.

"The final will cement the reputation of the new stadium with a global audience and along with the Four Associations’ tournament, hosted by the FAI in Dublin in 2011, will provide a huge boost to the country’s tourism industry."

Dublin’s Lord Mayor Eibhlin Byrne said: "I am delighted that all the hard work that went into mounting this bid has paid off. The UEFA Cup final will focus the world’s attention on Dublin as well as providing significant visitor numbers to our city.

"We look forward to making the UEFA Cup Final in Dublin a success by working with our main partners and creating a night to remember for everyone."