Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin T.D. said today that world markets are key to sustained growth in the future for Irish construction firms. Martin added that the London Olympics 2012 represent a significant opportunity in this regard, with an estimated spend of £9 billion sterling on construction expected to be made in the run-up to the event.
Martin was speaking at an Enterprise Ireland conference in Dublin today on the opportunities being generated by preparation for the London Olympics. The special conference, “Building Towards London” is attended by 160 Irish companies and specifically addresses the opportunities being generated in preparing for the 2012 games and how Irish companies might maximise their involvement.
Conference speakers are drawn from the Olympic Development Authority and several other relevant London agencies charged with delivery of the London Olympics.
Addressing the conference, Martin said: “Irish construction companies – builders and suppliers - have been at the forefront of the economic boom in Ireland and contributed significantly to the emergence of the Irish economy. The sector has done extremely well in growing turnover by as much as five times over the past decade.
“Sustained growth of the sector in the future, however, will depend on these companies increasing their share in world markets.
“Britain is the principal overseas market for the majority of Irish-owned construction product and services companies, accounting for over 47% of construction exports in 2006. Pursuing the substantial opportunities that are available in the UK at the moment can provide the perfect launch pad for Irish construction firms looking to expand their geographic spread.”
Enterprise Ireland’s Chief Executive Officer, Frank Ryan added: “The successful delivery of the London Olympics 2012 is a massive undertaking and it is clear that those responsible for overseeing the effort will require the highest levels of innovation, quality and professionalism within their supply chains.
“Our strong indigenous construction sector, with its proven track record for excellence and innovation, has much to offer to the successful delivery of the games and their legacy and they are well placed to win business in the run up to 2012.
"The scale of the Olympic project represents a huge opportunity for Irish construction and it is important that our businesses are ready to compete with firms from across the globe and win."
The “Building Towards London” conference in Dublin, is part of Enterprise Ireland’s ongoing efforts to maximise the involvement of Irish companies in the successful delivery of the London Olympics in 2012.
The 2012 Games project is a huge undertaking. The Olympic Delivery Authority estimates that three million cubic metres of soil need to be cleaned and moved, and 169,000 seats installed in nine venues. There will be more than 6,000 workers on site at the peak of construction. The combination of the Olympic Park and other nearby venues such as the Dome, ExCel and Greenwich Park will permit 17 of the 28 sports to be staged within 15 minutes of a 16,800 bed Olympic Village.
Over the next 18 months alone, the Olympic Delivery Authority will place 250 major contracts and over 2000 smaller contracts out to tender. Irish industry is in a strong position to contribute to the successful delivery of the games and its legacy.
The aim of the conference is to bring key public sector and private sector Olympic delivery partners to Dublin to address a cross-section of Irish industry on the challenges and opportunities Irish companies face in striving to contribute to the success of the London Olympic Games in 2012.
Speakers include representatives from UK Olympic delivery agencies and other relevant bodies:
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Deborah Bartlett, Major Events, Olympic Development Authority
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Brendan Dineen, 2012 Director Think London (London’s official foreign direct investment agency)
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Eric Sorensen, Chief Executive Thames Gateway London Partnership (a regeneration and development organisation).
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Councillor Guy Nicholson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and the 2012 Games, London Borough of Hackney (one of London’s local authorities)
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Stephen Martin, CEO - Irish Olympic Council
