TAOISEACH ENDA KENNY is lending his support to efforts to bring the 2018 Gay Games to Limerick

The city is vying with London and Paris for the right to host the games. If successful, some 10,000 participants from over 70 nations will arrive to take part in five years time, along with some 25,000 spectators.

In a letter to the bid committee, Enda Kenny says that an Irish welcome can be guaranteed for everyone who attends, adding: “Ireland is waiting, Do come & join us”.

The event started in San Francisco in 1982 and is held every four years. The games generally last over a week, and include 32 sporting categories, alongside cultural activities and opening and closing ceremonies.

It’s anticipated the event would bring a boost of €50 million euro to the region in terms of tourism spend, according to organisers.

The city will find out on 7 October if it’s been successful in it bid.