Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics Task Force Report concluded that only a relatively small number of existing sports facilities have the potential to attract international athletes and teams in the lead up to the London 2012 Games. This was based on an assessment of the suitability of existing and planned future sports facilities. The objective was to focus on existing facilities which were deemed to be of Olympic/Paralympic standard and the upgrades which would be required to bring facilities at other centres up to the requisite standard which for the most part were to be found on university campuses and national sports–specific centres. These facilities were then assessed against current Olympic and Paralympic standards.

In addition to high quality sports facilities, Olympic and Paralympic teams and athletes also require certain ancillary facilities such as adjacent sports physiotherapy and medical facilities, proximity to an airport with direct international flights, meeting, secure storage and treatment rooms. The facilities at Irishtown stadium while very important in a national context were not among those identified by the Task Force.

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 Task Force report, which was published last February, 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.

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, given the current economic conditions it is unlikely that the necessary resources will be available in the short term.

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 and the findings of the London 2012 Task Force Report.