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Rally Ireland steers cash to
Donegal
18.02.08
RALLY Ireland injected
between €39m and €59m into the North West economy
last year, new figures show.
The research from the University of Ulster shows
that the Irish stage of the World Rally Championship
was a lucrative earner for the counties of the North
West including Donegal. |
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It also showcased the
region to a massive worldwide audience, the research
found. The WRC is run over four continents and draws
an estimated television audience of more than 100
million viewers. The events draw live spectators of
11.2 million people annually.
Meanwhile, it was revealed that Rally Ireland was
ranked the second |
best event in last
year's World Rally Championship by the sports
governing body Federation International de
L'Automobile, based in Paris.
Donegal Minister Pat 'The Cope' Gallagher said:
"This is a significant achievement for Ireland
following its debut in this prestigious series last
year and tribute must be paid to everyone involved
especially ceo Dave Marren, co-promoters Ronan
Morgan and Sean O'Connor and not forgetting the
thousands of volunteers from all over Donegal and
the North West who played their role in making the
event the success that it was." He said he was
hopeful the county would benefit again from the
major rally event in 2009.
"I have been involved since the beginning and have
had a very keen interest in Rally Ireland which has
been the most ambitious North-South sporting project
ever undertaken.
"I have been in contact with the rally organisers
and although it has yet to be confirmed, I'm hopeful
Donegal will continue to play a part and be featured
in the 2009 World Rally Championship, next January,"
said Minister Gallagher. |
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