Motorsport Ireland have announced that they are again working to bring the World Rally Championship back to the island for the first time since 2009 after positive discussions with the Government.
This comes after recent negotiations with the WRC promoter that indicate that there remains the opportunity for Ireland to host the WRC from 2026.
The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media has told Motorsport Ireland that any decision to provide funding to support the hosting of the event needs to be justified by an independent economic analysis and business case.
It should include comprehensive inventory of the services required to be provided by national and local government, such as transport and security, as well as economic benefits, costs accruing and the event's sustainability.
Speaking on the developments, Motorsport Ireland president Aiden Harper said: "This is a progressive step in Motorsport Ireland's plans to bring the World Rally Championship back to this island.
"Over the last month we have had constructive discussions with Minister Thomas Byrne and the WRC promoter and we look forward to assisting department officials with any additional information they require while carrying out their analysis.
"Ireland has demonstrated it can hold international motorsport events in the past and I have no doubt we will again in the future."
