Limerick has been identified as a preferred location to host a stage of the lucrative 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) Series, and, if successful, it would be worth a conservative €100 million to the local economy.
It’s forecast that the event would generate serious monies through direct and indirect spending, as well as a value on international media coverage and corporate hospitality.
Around 100,000 spectators, many of them overseas visitors, would be expected to visit for the champion-ship.
It would involve 1,500 volunteer officials working over the weekend. Kerry and Waterford are also on a shortlist drawn-up by Motorsport Ireland.
Limerick’s chances are boosted by the necessity of a large service park and media centre, with Limerick Racecourse at Greenmount, Patrickswell considered as an ideal setting.
Aiden Harper, President of Motorsport Ireland, said: “The decision [to select the facility to house the service park and media centre] will be on complete suitability, it will have nothing to do with stages or anything like that.
“Indeed, there may be changes coming in 2025. The first day of a WRC event now has a remote service area and there will be other areas that will benefit from that day. The remote service is a relatively simple operation, each team is only allowed one vehicle, depending on the amount of cars.”
Limerick Motor Club member Richard O’Donoghue TD said: “I think it’s a no-brainer and would be brilliant for Limerick, and it would be brilliant for Ireland.”
In his video message endorsement, he declared: “Bring the World Rally Championship to Limerick. We are easily the best venue, with the racecourse just a few hundred metres off a motorway that connects all parts of the country. We are the best people in the world to look after you.”
A venue announcement is likely in the New Year.