Motorsport Ireland has confirmed that three locations have been chosen to host a potential FIA World Rally Championship return for Ireland from 2025 to 2027.
Kerry, Limerick, and the South East Region of Ireland have been chosen for the building blocks of Ireland’s return to the championship which was last on the calendar from 2007 to 2009.
Motorsport Ireland President Aiden Harper said:
“It was an honour for me and the selection panel to see the commitment from our clubs and volunteers in the three areas putting together such strong bids to potentially host WRC Rally Ireland from 2025 onwards. In Kerry, Limerick and the South East, we have a trio of world class venues that will be ideal hubs for the event. Today’s announcement is obviously predicated on securing Government funding and this is a process that is underway at present. Our bid is currently under consideration by senior management in the Major Sports Events Unit of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. A three year deal will require a €15 million investment but this will yield a €300 million return over those three years and will greatly benefit the local economies in the South West, Mid West and South East regions.
WRC Promoter GmbH said:
“Ireland is an incredible country and since the last running of Rally Ireland in 2009, the world teams have been wanting to return. We look forward to continue working with Motorsport Ireland and the FIA to work through the necessary steps to secure a calendar slot for Ireland’s bid.”
If Ireland returns to the FIA World Championship calendar next year it will be the largest sporting event on the island with a projected audience of 200,000 spectators to attend.