Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)

When the 2012 Olympic Games take place in London, it will be the nearest thing to a home Olympic Games in our lifetime. We should try to obtain as many sporting and tourism benefits as possible from the London Olympics. It is impossible not to be impressed by the list of members of the 2012 task force. The list covers most sports, as well as commercial life. According to the Minister's answer, we have not yet completed the gathering of information even though it is almost 2007. When one reads about the work that is being done in England, one learns that the authorities there are finding it difficult to quantify the sporting facilities which are needed. The cost of providing such facilities has been underestimated in some instances. We need to get the benefit of the 2012 Olympics in a way that will make a difference. I am sure the Minister will agree that anything we do in respect of the London Olympics will benefit us into the future. I refer, for example, to the provision of the extra facilities which are needed to attract other countries to come here to prepare for the Olympic Games.

When will a real decision be taken to develop certain facilities to the same standard as the National Aquatic Centre and the facilities at the University of Limerick? Time will catch up with us if we do not make a decision soon. If we decide to provide improved facilities, we will have to work within a tight timescale when one considers that we have to take account of various mechanisms like the planning system. The task force should be given a date by which the facilities have to be provided. If we do not do that, we will have problems trying to gain the enormous benefits which are available to us. I do not think there is a lack of expertise etc., among the members of the task force. The people on it have a wonderful grasp of what is needed. The Minister should take the initiative by setting the date for the fast-tracking of the provision of the facilities which are required.

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