International rugby matches played in Dublin may yield the Exchequer over €100 million, an economic impact survey has estimated.
The report by UCD's Marketing Development Programme, commissioned by the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), says that this weekend's fixture against England has the capacity to generate revenues in the region of €60 million.
Together with the upcoming France match and last Autumn's friendlies against South Africa, USA and Argentina, rugby internationals in Dublin for season 2004-05 should yield in the region of €110 million to the Exchequer.
The study claimed the figure did not take account of the forthcoming Heineken Cup quarter-final on April 2nd between Leinster and top English Premiership side Leicester, for which Lansdowne Road's 49,500 capacity has already been pre-sold.
Based on figures for the 2003 Ireland-England fixture, the average weekend spend for an Irish match goer was €299 compared with €882 for an English match-goer.
Accommodation accounted for €8 million of the overall economic impact figure, while drink accounted for a whopping €19.7 million.
Food accounted for €7.5 million, shopping for €3.1 million and match tickets for €2.5 million.