Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

The Australian team found the diving and swimming facilities at the National Aquatic Centre superb. They are looking at the centre and I am sure other countries' teams will also be interested in it. The facilities in UCD are much admired and will be used. Limerick is already an international facility, as we know from the world renowned athletes who are using it at present. The All Blacks rugby team used the Limerick facilities and said they were second to none. Team members told me they were in the top two training facilities in the world, which was a great compliment to Limerick.

I would like to do more at Abbotstown in advance of the 2012 games but that is unlikely. Phase 1 is being completed at present. All the design work has been done and it must then go to planning. That will be done shortly so that we will be ready if resources can be provided in the future. I would not like to suggest that there will be massive expenditure or substantial facilities built in advance of 2012.

The indications are that teams will not come en masse to Ireland. Elite athletes no longer do that. We are more likely to see specific aspects of teams or countries with smaller teams. That is what sporting people have indicated to me.

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