Councillor Jack Murray has confirmed he will move a motion before Donegal County Council calling on the council to do everything it can to support Celtic Park as a host stadium in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The motions reads “That this council fully supports Ireland’s bid to host the 2023 Rugby world Cup, welcomes Celtic Park’s park inclusion in the list of host stadia, commends the unanimous decision of Derry City and Strabane District Council to support the bid and affirms the full and equal support of Donegal County Council.”
Speaking in advance of the motion, Cllr Murray said he is delighted that Derry’s Celtic Park has been included in the latest shortlist in Ireland’s bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
“I commend the unanimous backing it received from Derry City and Strabane District Councillors.
“I now feel that there is an onus on Donegal to weigh in and show our support for the bid. We need to ensure that Donegal is ready to host the massive crowd which would travel to the northwest if the bid is successful.
“The 12 stadium shortlist can still be reduced further as this bid continues so we need to take all the necessary steps to ensure that the northwest is included all the way.
“Donegal showed its ability to host major crowds during the 2013 Fleadh in Derry as tens of thousands of visitors visited here. We need to showcase this again and help secure the rugby world cup bid.”
Cllr Murray added that the restoration of the Dublin to City of Derry Airport route must also be reinstated.
“I believe that it is also vital to restore to the Dublin to City of Derry Airport route with the government funding a PSO. This relatively simple step would ensure that overseas visitors who arrive in Dublin Airport could transfer and arrive in the northwest in a fraction of the time it would take by road.
“I am confident that with all necessary bodies working together on this, we can ensure that the Rugby World Cup will come to Ireland and that the northwest will play a leading role in hosting the biggest sporting event ever to visit these shores.”
