Call for Olympics tax break

Ireland should offer international athletes short-term tax breaks to base their training camps in the country for the London Olympics, it has been suggested.

Competitors in the 2012 games would get a refund on taxes paid on accommodation, food, drink, travel and other amenities under the proposals by an Irish parliamentary committee.

The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Transport, Tourism and Sport claimed the scheme would help woo Olympians and show off Ireland as a potential host for future sporting events.

Ciaran Lynch, Committee chairman, said: “In Britain, Olympic teams are being offered grants of up to €28,000 to use training facilities in the UK.

“While the current economic situation does not enable Ireland to offer such generous financial assistance, I belief the Committee’s creative idea could help encourage Olympians to use some of our elite sports venues.”

It had been anticipated Ireland would benefit from London hosting the 2012 Olympics by attracting countries and athletes to train, but so far just four teams have committed to using the country’s facilities.

The Hungarian and British Water polo teams have used the National Aquatic Centre, while the US synchronised swimming team and the UK Paralympic swimming squads have also committed to using the Dublin facility.

The Oireachtas Committee has written to Finance Minister Michael Noonan urging him to consider the idea.

“I think it would be a wonderful achievement if we could attract a number of foreign national teams through such a measure,” Mr Lynch added.

“It would allow us to showcase our elite sports bases and our country. It would also highlight Ireland as a great showcase for future international sporting events.”

Ireland has already hosted the Special Olympics, the Ryder Cup and this year’s Europa league final.