Mourne’s Sinn Féin Councillor Willie Clarke has hailed the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in Newcastle as major success.
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A section of the crowd enjoy a view of the big screen near the leader board in the tented village during the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.[/caption]
Councillor Clarke said: “I would like to express my thanks to all the agencies and event organisers, for the many hours of work that ensured the event was managed in a seamless fashion. Newcastle looked fabulous and was a credit to personnel involved in cleansing, amenity space, improving the appearance of shop frontages, golf designs, street furniture and people involved in the fringe events.
“Every person I spoke to was extremely impressed that traffic flowed freely. Everyone involved in the traffic management plan, staff from Translink, PSNI, Council and volunteers ensured over 100,000 visitors, were transferred to and from the Royal County Down Golf Course.
“Hosting the DDF Irish Open in Newcastle, provided the ideal opportunity for Newry, Mourne and Down council to showcase our tourism product on the world stage. The Irish Open in Newcastle had an audience of over 100,000 and was seen by an estimated 450 million homes around the world. It has been a stimulus in generating over £11 million into the local economy, particularly into the hospitality sector.”
Cllr Clarke added: “From speaking to some local traders, it is clear, not all retail businesses benefited directly when the Irish Open was taking place. It has to be acknowledged despite the best efforts of all, visitors to the tournament wanted to get home, or to their accommodation, to relax and get a meal. Newry, Mourne and Down Council, along with partners organised a number of sporting, comedy, food and music fringe events, along with the park and walk initiative to increase footfall on Newcastle Main Street. It is also envisaged that a proportion of the money generated in the local hospitality sector will be spent in local business after the event.
“The DDF Irish Open in Newcastle 2015 further demonstrates that Newry, Mourne and Down Council, in partnership with others, have the capacity to host major events, in our district; collectively we have provided a visitor experience of a very high standard, which included accommodation, the finest food and drink, culture, a quality natural environment but above all great hospitality from local people. The entire region will experience increased visitor numbers as a result of hosting this fabulous professional golfing tournament. Part of the legacy of the event will be to work towards providing a number of extra hotels in our area and inspiring the next Rory McIlroy.”
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