The Government has set up a taskforce to identify and maximise the opportunities arising from Ireland's proximity to London, which hosts the 2012 Olympics.
The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, John O'Donoghue, yesterday announced the membership of the London 2012 Taskforce.
Speaking at a press conference in Dublin, he was adamant that work needed to begin now if Ireland was to fully benefit from the "golden opportunity" of being the country next door to London.
"The 2012 Olympic Games in London is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Ireland," he said.
He highlighted three main objectives: "To promote our country and culture and open up new markets for tourism; for Irish business of all sizes to be involved in the substantial construction programme and supply of services before and during the games; and to provide a massive boost and lasting legacy for sport in Ireland."
He added: "Aside from the obvious benefits that London 2012 may bring for Ireland in terms of tourism, culture and business, this event has the potential to have a significant and long-term impact on the future of sport in Ireland, but only if early planning is undertaken and opportunities are recognised and are fully availed of.
"London 2012 will allow the people of Ireland to experience the excitement of the Olympic Games at close quarters. This creates a potential for raising enthusiasm and an appetite for sport in people, particularly the young, and in this way our proximity to the world's largest sporting event in 2012 could produce a lasting legacy."
The taskforce will draw on the expertise of people from across the sport, tourism, cultural and business sectors, supported by staff within the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, to market Ireland effectively for its training facilities and other expertise ahead of the 2012 Olympics. It will be chaired by the secretary general of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, Philip Furlong.
"Even though there are almost six years yet to go before the London 2012 games commence, it is not a moment too soon to begin our preparations to maximise the gains from our association with this massive sporting occasion," said Mr O'Donoghue.
"We need to ensure that the quality of our sporting infrastructure matches up to the aspirations of the elite athletes and teams who may be considering Ireland as an ideal location to finalise their preparations for the games. Our association with London 2012 will also provide openings for Irish business to avail of increased procurement opportunities."
According to the Minister, several countries have already expressed an interest in coming to Ireland ahead of the 2012 Olympics.
"The Olympic Council of Ireland has received expressions of interest from numerous countries, like Brazil, Germany and the USA. But also there is the whole tourism industry, and the business opportunities."
Mr O'Donoghue said there were plenty of facilities in Ireland to meet many of the requirements of countries who might want to use Ireland as a launching pad for top performances in London in six years.
"The Aquatic Centre at Abbotstown hosted the European Short Course Swimming championships as well as the Special Olympics. We have the National Boxing Stadium, the Tennis Centre and several modern tartan tracks all over the country. And more are on stream.
"We are also building phase one of the Campus Ireland facilities at Abbotstown, which will be completed by 2012."
OLYMPIC TASKFORCE: list of members
The members of the new Olympic taskforce are: Philip Furlong (chairman) - secretary general of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism; Gillian Bowler - businesswoman and chair of Fáilte Ireland; Olive Braiden - chairwoman, Arts Council; Des Casey - former honorary secretary of the FAI and Uefa life member; Anne Ebbs - secretary general of the Paralympic Council of Ireland; John Fitzgerald - former Dublin city manager; Dan Flinter - former chief executive of Enterprise Ireland and chairman of the Athens Review; Pat Hickey - president of the Olympic Council of Ireland and president of the European Olympic Committees; Seán Kelly - executive chairman of the Irish Institute of Sport; Ossie Kilkenny - chairman of the Irish Sports Council; Noel Murphy - former president of IRFU and IRB council member; Mícheáil Ó Suilleabháin - chairman of Culture Ireland; Paul O'Toole - chief executive of Tourism Ireland; Peter Quinn - businessman and former president of the GAA; Ray Rooney - businessman and former senior steward of the Turf Club.
