O’Donovan appeals to hoteliers to not indulge in price gouging during Euro 2028

Vivienne Clarke

Minister for Sport Patrick O’Donovan has called on the hospitality sector to “see the bigger picture” and not indulge in price gouging when thousands of soccer fans are expected to come to Ireland for seven games during Euro 2028.

Hoteliers should be looking at the long-term picture, he told RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland.

People attending the games could be people who would not usually come to Ireland, he added.

“Thousands of fans will go home and tell of their experience here, we don’t need people going home sour.

“I would appeal to them (hoteliers) to see the bigger picture here. I hope they use their own initiative.”

The Minister said he hoped that dynamic pricing would not be part of the Euro 2028 experience.

“It’s their own reputation that they are killing.”

The Aviva Stadium is set to host seven games at Euro 2028, it was confirmed at the official launch of the tournament on Wednesday.

Dublin will see five group games during the tournament, as well as a last-16 tie and a quarter-final.

The tournament is being jointly hosted by England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

Due to Casement Park being stripped of hosting, the Aviva Stadium has been given an additional fixture.

Should the Republic of Ireland qualify directly for the tournament, they will be at home for all their games.

If Ireland qualify, they will be in Group E, with their first game on June 10th.

UEFA has previously confirmed that places at the tournament will be reserved for the two best-ranked host nations that don't automatically qualify.

That means if two of England, Wales and Scotland reach the finals, then Ireland is guaranteed to be there, regardless of how they fare in qualification.

So far, Ireland have competed in three UEFA Euro tournaments - 1988, 2012, 2016.

Following an independent assessment, it is anticipated these finals will generate €449 million of socio-economic benefits for Ireland.

Ireland will invest up to €93 million to help deliver the tournament, including €6.2 million into social impact and community activity programmes.