Lansdowne Road To Host 2011 Europa League Final

On Thursday, Martin Cullen T.D., Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism welcomed UEFA's decision to award the hosting of the 2011 Europa League Final (formerly the UEFA Cup) to Dublin.

Minister Martin Cullen said: "I welcome UEFA's decision to award one of its most prestigious finals to the city of Dublin and to the Lansdowne Road Stadium.

"The decision to play the 2011 Europa League Final, formerly known as the UEFA Cup, at Lansdowne Road is clear recognition by UEFA of the potential of Dublin's new state-of-the-art 50,000 seater venue and will put the Lansdowne Stadium on the map as one of the great leading stadia of Europe."

The Minister added: "Our proud soccer heritage and our proven ability to successfully host major sporting events will ensure that the 2011 final will be an event to remember. It will also provide a huge boost to the tourism industry, both in terms of the revenue that the match will generate for the local economy, and the exposure to the tens of millions of people watching the match on television around the world. It is further tangible evidence of the benefits deriving from the Government's continued investment in sport."

Minister Cullen said: "Great credit is due to all those who worked hard to secure the hosting of the 2011 final in Dublin, including the FAI, Dublin City Council and the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism as well as all those involved in the Lansdowne Stadium project.

"It should also be remembered that UEFA's decision represents in part a fitting tribute to the legacy of generations of outstanding Irish footballers who have graced the European and World football stage."

Minister Cullen concluded: "In reaching this decision, UEFA was obviously aware that Irish football supporters enjoy an unsurpassed reputation throughout the sporting world and are renowned for their friendliness.

"Whenever and wherever Irish international teams have played, Irish football supporters have acquitted themselves with distinction, and they deserve great credit for playing their part in UEFA's decision.

"In addition, the opportunity for young Irish people to see some of the best that European football now has to offer on their own doorstep should be inspirational and the legacy of the newly named UEFA Europa League Final will be felt in every corner of Ireland for years to come."