John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 80: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in attracting Olympic teams from other countries to use the Republic of Ireland as a training venue for the London Olympics 2012; the countries with which discussions have been held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16236/09]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics task force was established in August 2006 to ensure Ireland can identify and maximise the complete range of opportunities arising from our proximity to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London 2012. The task force included experts from the sport, tourism, cultural and business sectors and was supported by staff within my Department.

The recently published task force report, which is available on the website of my Department, makes a number of recommendations arising from an audit carried out of high quality sports facilities in Ireland and the findings of a report by Indecon International Economic Consultants on the economic evaluation of the benefit to the island of Ireland of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games. It highlights the opportunities for Ireland from the London 2012 games in the sport, tourism, cultural and business sectors.

In this regard, I understand that Enterprise Ireland has been proactive in ensuring that Irish businesses are aware of the opportunities for benefiting from the business opportunities which London 2012 will provide. A dedicated website has been established to assist Irish business to avail of these opportunities. The tourism agencies have committed themselves to an energetic approach to the marketing of Ireland particularly in the lead up to and during the games while the artistic and cultural agencies stand ready to organise events which will showcase Ireland to the world. Work is also going on in that area.

On the sporting side, the task force report puts forward proposals for investment in sports facilities which would increase our attractiveness as a training destination for Olympic teams in the lead up and during the games. However, we must be realistic in this area particularly given the current economic conditions.

My Department is engaging with the relevant sporting, tourism and cultural agencies on how best to promote Ireland internationally in the lead-up to the London 2012 games. These discussions are taking account of the current economic situation, the findings of the London 2012 task force report and my recent meetings to identify the challenges which must be met in the preparation of our team for the London games.

John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I take it from the Minister's reply that most of the potential is in the tourism and cultural area rather than in the provision of training facilities for teams.

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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That has always been the case.

John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The focus of my question was on the availability of sports facilities in Ireland. We have the National Aquatic Centre, but teams who train there do not have campus style accommodation as they might find in other centres. I am reminded of an answer given by the Minister last year on the development of sports facilities at Abbotstown. Can we take it that high performance facilities will not be developed there in time for the teams to prepare for the London Olympics? What facilities will be available in Limerick, for example? Swimming facilities are clearly available. What can be provided for other sports?

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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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.