Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 95: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the plans to capitalise on the staging of the 2012 Olympics in London by updating, modernising and developing sporting facilities here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11740/07]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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With London 2012 fast approaching, athletes and teams from other countries may consider using Ireland as a base to prepare and train in the years prior to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London in 2012. Ireland possesses the advantages of having the same climatic conditions and being in the same time zone as London, as well as being within an hour by air travel. Furthermore, this country will avoid most of the media hype that one often finds in the host country.

In order to ensure that Ireland benefits from the proximity of the Games, I established a Task Force in August 2006 comprising high level representatives from the sporting, business, tourism and cultural sectors. This group is working to ensure that Ireland maximises the benefits arising from the proximity of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in the areas of training camps for athletes, tourism, business and cultural opportunities.

In relation to training camps specifically; if Ireland is to be attractive to potential participating athletes, access to high quality sporting and ancillary facilities must be available. In this regard, my Department has undertaken a London 2012 sports infrastructural survey of facilities that might be suitable to develop to meet the training needs of overseas teams preparing for 2012. National Governing Bodies of Sport and third level institutions have been contacted in order to establish the type, range and suitability of the sports facilities available for this purpose.

What is currently being undertaken therefore is a data gathering exercise to gauge the level of facilities Ireland has to offer to potential visiting athletes. This survey process is being completed in line with the standards set out by the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG). We will then have a clearer picture of the facilities likely to be attractive to participating athletes in the build-up to London 2012 and my Department will then examine whether investment may be required to bring these facilities up to the required standard. Any expenditure on facilities will be aimed not only at attracting teams but primarily at ensuring a lasting legacy for Irish athletes and communities.