Minister: Abbotstown will attract Olympic hopefuls

IRELAND’S ability to benefit fully from the London Olympics in 2012 will, to a large extent, be determined in December by Finance Minister Brian Cowen’s decision whether or not to approve €120m needed for the proposed sports campus at Abbotstown.

Sports Minister John O'Donoghue yesterday stated that it was his "hope and wish" that Mr Cowen would make the funding available either in the course of December's Budget or when he announces his Capital Programme.

"The Abbotstown project is not dead if I do not get the funding. All it will mean is that I will not be in a position to start next year. Naturally enough, that would be a grave disappointment. I'm trying to provide the facilities required. I am anxious that we proceed with it.