Rally Ireland 2009 has been officially launched, with the event the starting point for the next year's WRC season.
It is only the second time in almost 30 years that the beginning of the World Rally Championship (WRC) has been held outside of Monte Carlo, the traditional starting point for each WRC season.
Rally Ireland 2009 will take place between the 29 January and the 1 February with 18 stages taking place through seven counties in the North West; Cavan, Leitrim, Fermanagh, Tyrone, Sligo, Donegal and Roscommon.
At the launch Dr Jimmy Devins, TD, Minister for State for Science and Innovation, who is a native of Sligo, hailed the event's return to the North West: '2007’s Rally Ireland was seen by more than 62 million people in over 180 countries worldwide.
'The potential for the North West to position itself, as a major tourist destination through this level of coverage is very significant.
'Rally Ireland 2007 was a huge success due to the organsiers, the local community here and the thousands of fans who witnessed this tremendous sport. I have every confidence that Rally Ireland 2009 will be another major success.'
January 29 marks the ceremonial start of Rally Ireland 2009, which takes place in Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh. The Rally proper will begin the following morning with the first stage taking place in Cavan.
Rally Ireland will then run through six more counties before finishing with the last stage in Donegal Town on Sunday. The final stage will be broadcast to a live global TV audience. The Service Park will be based in Sligo IT, while Rally HQ will be in the Clarion Hotel in Sligo town.
In 2007 Rally Ireland attracted 250,000 spectators, generated €48million in economic benefit to the region and was viewed in over 180 countries by in excess of 62million people.
Rally Ireland was given international acclaim by the WRC who declared the event as the second best round of the World Rally Championship in 2007.
Rally Ireland is run by Motorsport Ireland in conjunction with the Association of Northern Ireland Car Clubs (ANICC) with sponsorship from Failte Ireland and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL).
The 2009 World Rally Championship will be run in 12 rounds across the world and will reach a global TV audience of over 800million.
