LAST summer’s Thomond Park concerts brought a multimillion euro boost to the local Limerick economy.
That’s according to a new report on the financial impact of the concerts by Repucon Consulting on behalf of Munster Rugby.
The string of concerts by well-known artists Snow Patrol, Paolo Nutini, and Liam Gallagher last July were worth €13.5million to the local economy, the report found, more than what was generated from nine concerts at Cork’s Virgin Media Park.
Over the weekend of July 12 to 14, over 73,000 people descended on Thomond Park, with the gigs drawing a domestic and international audience.
The report found that three quarters of those attending the concerts were from outside of Limerick. Overseas visitors accounted for four per cent of the total number of concertgoers, with over 1,000 overseas visitors attending each of the three Limerick concerts – including Friends star Courtney Cox, who attended the Snow Patrol show.
As well as that, 13,800 accommodation bed-nights were generated for Limerick hotels and B&Bs during the run of concerts.
€10.2m was generated in direct expenditure by concertgoers, with €8.2m of that coming from people visiting Limerick for the gigs.
The report found that the nine summer concerts in Cork’s Virgin Media Park generated a combined total economic impact of €12.2million – some €1.3million less than the three Limerick shows.
This is despite 122,374 people attending the Cork shows, while 73,330 people went to the Thomond concerts.
Mayor of Limerick John Moran welcomed the report and said that big concerts taking place in Limerick help to bring a buzz to the city and help to boost local businesses.
“The results of this report back up what we already know – big concerts at Thomond Park bring a buzz and excitement to Limerick.
“They bring in visitors from all over, boosting our local businesses. As a local authority we remain committed to supporting and promoting large events that enhance Limerick’s cultural and social appeal,” Mayor Moran said.
Príomh Comhairleoir of Limerick City and County Council, Councillor Dan McSweeney, said that Thomond Park is a significant asset to Limerick.
“Even outside of big match days, it has the capacity to attract tens of thousands of people into Limerick, creating a positive atmosphere and providing a boost to local businesses. All at the venue are to be congratulated – they’ve certainly converted this opportunity into a win for Limerick,” he added.
Dr Pat Daly, director general of Limerick City and County Council, added that the report highlights the “importance of these events to our community and economy”.
“The Council is delighted to continue working with relevant stakeholders with a view to making Limerick a premier destination for major events. It’s clear that Thomond Park is not just a fortress for rugby but also a powerhouse for economic growth.”
