Volvo Makes a Triumphant Return to Galway in 2012

The CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race and An Taoiseach  signed the contract confirming Galway as host of the grand finale of the Volvo Ocean Race in 2012. Mr Knut Frostad met with Brian Cowen at The Merrion Hotel in Dublin Wed March 10th to copper-fasten the event after Galway beat off stiff competition from Amsterdam and Stockholm to host the prestigious stop.

The meeting brings to an end the months of discussions and political lobbying that have gone into Galway's bid to secure the lucrative contract. Last year's event generated €56.5 million for the local economy and prompted 650,000 visits to the city.

Speaking to the Galway Independent this week, Galway Harbourmaster, Captain Brian Sheridan said the city was preparing to eclipse those figures.

"I certainly think that the 2012 event will be greater than last year's - should we get the go-ahead," said Captain Sheridan. "We think that the attendance will be higher and that the corporate side of things will be infinitely bigger.

"We have shown that Galway has the X factor to host these events and, with more boats coming this time around, and the added space afforded by the lack of a service area, it should be a special festival."

General Manager of Fáilte Ireland West, Fiona Monaghan was equally enthusiastic about the announcement, saying it was "the ultimate prize" for the city.

"The impact of the publicity of this event cannot be underestimated. The race will be referred to as the Alicante to Galway Race and the coverage we will get as a result is priceless.

"This announcement is a huge ray of hope for all businesses in the city. During the current tough times this will give our businesses a competitive edge over the rest."