IRELAND’S hosting of Euro 2028 games will boost the economy by €450million — and see a redevelopment of Lansdowne Road.
The Government will invest €93million in the tournament and expect a winning return of €449million in terms of social and economic benefits.
Ireland will host seven matches at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin, including a quarter-final.
The whole country is praying that Troy Parrott and The Boys in Green will qualify, creating a hunger for football not seen since the days of Jack Charlton and the 1988 Euros.
But the Sports Minister, Charlie McConalogue, is also determined that the Irish end of the tournament will leave a “lasting legacy” for grassroots footie communities around the country.
Costs include €7.7million for the Aviva Stadium job, €37million for safety and security and fan zones will need €5.7million.
It is understood Dublin City Council wants fan areas at Merrion Square Park, Dublin Castle and Smithfield.
Some €6million has also been pencilled in for a legacy programme.
Minister McConalogue told the Dail this week: “While the immediate economic impact of hosting Euro 2028 will be significant, it is important the event and the Government investment is used to leverage long-term benefits for football and wider community.
“A huge legacy programme is being developed to ensure there is an opportunity for everybody to partake in Euro 2028, and deliver a meaningful community benefit in the lead-up to and after the tournament ends.”
He added: “This tournament will be one of the largest sporting events ever hosted in Ireland and the Government is committed to it being the best hosting of the tournament to date — and to ensure a lasting legacy for the game in Ireland.”
The competition will start on June 9, 2028, and be played across nine grounds in England, Wales, Scotland and here in Ireland, with 51 matches in total involving 24 teams.
All four countries will go through qualification, with two automatic places already set aside for the best-ranked host nations who do not qualify on the pitch.
If at least two out of England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland qualify, then all four nations will appear in the tournament.
The final will be played at London’s Wembley stadium on July 9.
Minister McConalogue also urged sporting groups to familiarise themselves with the Community Sport Facilities Fund ahead of a new round of opening this summer.
Over a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to 3,048 community sports clubs and facilities from the 2023 round of CSFF — the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.
He said: “It is anticipated the next CSFF round will target areas and sports that have been under-invested in over the years.
“New guidelines will be published in advance of the opening of the next round.”
