*Organisers hope to see the Tour de France brought to the Wild Atlantic Way, which would see stages held across the three counties, including the Burren and Gaeltacht areas.
A PROPOSAL to bring the Tour de France Grand Départ to Clare, Limerick and Galway in 2032 has been submitted to the Government, according to proposal organiser Alan Murphy, with possible next steps still under discussion.
The proposal, led by a group seeking to bring the opening stages of the Tour de France to the Wild Atlantic Way, would see stages held across the three counties, including the Burren and Gaeltacht areas.
Cycling Ireland has formally submitted the project to the Government’s Major Event Section, according to an update circulated by Mr Murphy.
Mr Murphy said the Major Event Section was carrying out an impact assessment on the potential to bring the Tour de France Grand Départ to Ireland and that the outcome was expected within the next month.
However, a Department of Culture, Communications and Sport spokesperson told The Clare Echo that a detailed economic impact assessment of the proposed Grand Départ had not been undertaken by the Department.
“The latest meeting between the Department and Cycling Ireland took place on Wednesday (30th September) and the possible next steps, including any economic assessments, remain under discussion,” the spokesperson said.
The Department said the Government continued to support the hosting of major sports events in Ireland and to explore further hosting opportunities.
“In relation to proposals to bring the Tour de France to Ireland, the Department continues to engage with Cycling Ireland on the potential hosting of major cycling events,” the spokesperson said.
The Government’s policy and strategy framework for the hosting of major international sports events was published in 2024.
The Department said a significant range of factors would need to be considered before public monies could be committed to an event, including the projected cost to the State, expected economic benefits and the proposed event’s contribution to wider policy objectives such as increasing participation in sport.
Mr Murphy said the proposal had been developed in line with the Government’s Major International Sports Events Policy and Strategy Framework.
He said he had also spoken with Minister Patrick O’Donovan, Mayor of Limerick John Moran, elected representatives and representatives of Cycling Ireland in recent weeks to discuss the proposal.
The Department clarified that no official meeting took place between Minister O’Donovan and Mr Murphy, but said the pair had a brief impromptu conversation at the Dromcollogher Cinema Fire Centenary Commemoration on Saturday, September 5.
According to Mr Murphy, the group has also engaged with cycling clubs, hotels and businesses across the region.
Mr Murphy said former Tour de France winner Stephen Roche had joined the proposal team alongside former professional cyclist Sean Kelly and others.
He said the proposal would provide an opportunity to promote Clare, Limerick and Galway internationally while supporting tourism, hospitality, business and cycling development in the region.
