Written answers

Thursday, 29 September 2011

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Tourism Promotion

5:00 pm

Photo of Sandra McLellanSandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 19: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the work of the high level co-ordinating group which is identifying opportunities that might arise from the proximity of the London Olympics and Paralympic Games in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26494/11]

Photo of Michael RingMichael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I am chairing a high-level coordinating group which is identifying opportunities for Ireland that may arise across the sports, tourism, cultural and enterprise sectors from the proximity of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The group comprises representatives from the Irish Sports Council, the Olympic Council of Ireland, Paralympics Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, the Arts Council, Culture Ireland, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The most recent meeting of the group took place last Tuesday, 27th September.

The biggest potential benefits around the London Games have been identified in the enterprise and tourism sectors and these are being actively pursued. Enterprise Ireland is pursuing opportunities for Irish business and the tourism agencies are working closely with a range of partners at home and overseas to maximise the tourism opportunities. The cultural agencies are also developing proposals for a cultural programme around the Games.

The potential to attract international athletes to train in Ireland in the lead up to London 2012 is another issue that the coordinating group is looking at. A number of international teams have chosen the National Aquatic Centre as a training base which is a reflection of the calibre of the facility. My Department is working on attracting other teams to train here. A difficulty that arises in attracting teams is that the UK is offering financial incentives to international teams to train in the UK in the lead up to the Games.

The London 2012 Coordinating Group will continue to meet in the coming year to maximise opportunities across each of the sectors.

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