Irish firms eye €700m Olympic boost
Irish firms are aiming to secure €700m worth of business in Britain ahead of the 2012 London Olympic games, it emerged today.
Minister for Enterprise Mícheal Martin will head up a one-day trade mission to London along with representatives from Enterprise Ireland as they push for contracts.
The Minister and officials will be promoting experienced companies involved in construction, IT, transport, merchandising and manufacturing.
“We have expertise in a large range of areas, which I believe will be of great assistance to London as it prepares to host the largest sporting event on earth,” he said.
It is estimated building contracts alone will be worth €12.9bn between now and the games.
Enterprise Ireland, which is sending representatives on the one day mission, is aiming to secure €700m of this for Irish firms.
“The 2012 Games represent a major opportunity for Irish business, it is important that we start preparing now to ensure that our companies play a full role in one of the greatest sporting events on earth,” the minister said.
Minister Martin will hold talks with the Olympic Delivery Authority, which is overseeing preparations for the games and also visit the site of the Olympic Village in east London.
“Whether it is in large scale construction, the provision of IT, the manufacture of Olympic merchandise or the provision of transport Irish business is in a position to provide enormous support to our nearest neighbour.”
“At least 12,000 people will be employed in the construction and staffing of the Olympic Park, while more than 9,000 houses will be built in east London to accommodate athletes, after 2012 these will be used for affordable homes.
“The scale of these projects represent a huge opportunity for Irish construction.”
A special information conference is planned for Dublin in two weeks time to allow Enterprise Ireland to set out the opportunities available and what support for Irish firms.
“Enterprise Ireland is treating the preparations for the Olympics as a priority and as minister I will be supporting their efforts in every way possible,” Mr Martin added.
