Olympics decision a winner for Ireland

WE might be perennial under-achievers when it comes to medals, but Ireland is set to strike Olympic gold in monetary terms as a result of yesterday’s decision to award the 2012 Games to London.

Political, sporting and business leaders have all predicted a major boost for Irish sport and tourism as a result of the International Olympic Committee’s decision in favour of the British capital.

It is also likely to lead to the Government speeding up approval for a €120 million plan to develop sports facilities at Abbotstown in order to attract athletes preparing for the Games London narrowly beat favourite Paris by 54 votes to 50 for the right to host the 30th Olympiad.

It is expected Ireland will attract top athletes wishing to acclimatise in advance of the Olympics in London.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Sports Council chief executive John Treacy said the decision would have positive repercussions for Ireland as well as Britain.

President of the Olympic Council of Ireland and IOC delegate, Pat Hickey, said he had already been “inundated” with queries about establishing training camps here.

However, he expressed concern about the inadequacy of sports infrastructure in Ireland by warning that international teams would not train in “Mickey Mouse facilities”.