Rally Ireland's hopes of hosting the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2025 have been dashed due to funding delays. Motorsport Ireland's bid for the prestigious event was hindered by the unavailability of funds, preventing them from participating in the bidding process. Despite expressing intentions to explore alternative hosting years beyond 2025, it is a missed opportunity for Ireland to showcase itself on the world stage and reap the economic benefits of hosting a major international sporting event.
Funding Delays Impact Rally Ireland's Return to World Rally Championship
( Credit to: Dirtfish )
Rally Ireland's hopes of hosting the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2025 have been dashed due to funding delays. Motorsport Ireland's bid for the prestigious event was hindered by the unavailability of funds, preventing them from participating in the bidding process.
( Credit to: Dirtfish )
Motorsport Ireland had hoped to secure the necessary funding to host the WRC in 2025, but it appears that the funding will not be available in time for the bidding process. The WRC Promoter's bidding process for the 2025 events closed at the end of March, and Motorsport Ireland requested a two-week extension to secure the funding. However, the Irish Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education, and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne, has now confirmed that his department will need 'at least six months' to conduct further economic assessments before committing public funds.
This means that Ireland will not be able to bid for a slot on the 2025 WRC calendar. Motorsport Ireland, however, has expressed its intention to explore the possibility of hosting the event in alternative years beyond 2025.
Frustration Over Funding Delays
( Credit to: Dirtfish )
Motorsport Ireland has expressed frustration with the delays, stating that they had been clear from the beginning about the cutoff date for receiving acknowledgment of their funding request. They had expected to hear back by March 2024, in line with the operational deadline set by the WRC promoter.
The demand for slots in the WRC calendar is high, and the promoter is in a position to choose host countries that can commit to a multi-year event strategy. It is unfortunate for Ireland to miss out on this opportunity, as hosting the WRC would have brought economic benefits to the country.
Crucial Government Support for Hosting the WRC
Motorport Ireland's president, Aidan Harper, emphasized that the financial support of the government was crucial for Ireland to host the WRC. While they were aware that funding might not be forthcoming, it is disappointing to have to pass on this opportunity to another country.
Missed Opportunity for Ireland
The delay in securing funding has dealt a blow to Rally Ireland's hopes of returning to the WRC in 2025. While they may explore alternative hosting years beyond 2025, it is a missed opportunity for Ireland to showcase itself on the world stage and reap the economic benefits of hosting a major international sporting event.