Sunday’s Ironman triathlon in Youghal will be worth €8m to the local economy, Cork County council has said.

Youghal and East Cork are getting ready to welcome more than 2,600 athletes, along with their families, friends, supporters and spectators, for one of the world’s most prestigious sporting competitions.

Cork County Council is the main event sponsor and it has invested significantly in getting Youghal race-ready.

This includes investment in road improvements and the overhaul of the beach at Claycastle.

“With the official opening of the €12.5m Youghal Wastewater Treatment Plant, last September, both Irish Water and Cork County Council have ensured the high quality of water standards required by Ironman will be met,” County Hall said.

“Water standards are a vital component for Ironman, with the race getting underway early Sunday morning, with a 3.8km swim.

“Setting off in the clean waters of the golden, sandy Claycastle beach, in Youghal Bay, competitors are promised a rolling start here, with the beach gently shelving off into the sea.”

The new wastewater treatment plant is part of an overall investment in wastewater infrastructure of approximately €22.8m. Beaches in Youghal had previously had swim bans, due to elevated levels of bacteria in the water. The new plant will be operated by EPS, for 20 years, on behalf of Irish Water.

Cork County Council said it also anticipates that this facility will support the return of blue flags beach status for Claycastle and Youghal.

Cllr Mary Linehan Foley said: “This is huge event for Youghal, delivering a significant economic impact to East Cork, with the potential to drive the entire region as a premier, activity-based visitor destination in the country. We will welcome competitors from all over the world and expect an estimated €8m economic boost to the local economy. The success of this event reflects the impact of long-term infrastructural investment by Cork County Council and Irish Water.”

Gardaí said a series of road closures will be in place to ensure the smooth running of the event.

The road closures mean some residents may not be able to drive to and from their homes and have been advised to park their cars in more accessible locations.

The N25, main Cork to Waterford Road, will remain open at all times and gardaí recommend it for use.

For further information on the Ironman event see http://eu.ironman.com