Sports Facilities.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2006

Tuesday, 4 July 2006

Questions (353, 354)

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

366 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the committee that he has committed to form under the aegis of his Department to coordinate the various agencies that will progress the 2012 Olympics in London, to maximise the sporting potential of athletes here, has been formed; and if he will make a statement on the fact that time is passing and Ireland’s ability to have a long-term rather than short run into the Olympics relies on quick action at this point. [25576/06]

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

368 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the committee that he has committed to form under the aegis of his Department to co-ordinate the various agencies that will progress the 2012 Olympic Games in London, to maximise the economic potential that a sporting event of this scale offers, has been formed; and if he will make a statement on the fact that time is passing and Ireland’s ability to have a long term structured and marketed programme relies on quick action at this point. [25697/06]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O’Donoghue)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 366 and 368 together.

I have recently finalised details of the membership of the proposed task force to oversee the development of a strategy to ensure maximum benefit is derived from our proximity to the London Olympics in 2012, details of which I will be announcing shortly.

Drawing on the expertise of people from across the sport, tourism, cultural and business sectors, the aim of the task force is to examine possible opportunities and identify the priority areas of interest to ensure Ireland adopts a strategic approach to make the most of this unique opportunity. I expect the group to begin their work over the summer and to make significant progress by the end of the year. It is important that Ireland has a detailed plan in place in advance of the Beijing Olympics in 2008, following which there will be considerable activity leading towards London 2012.