British Irish Parliamentary Assembly Co-Chairman sends best wishes to Irish Olympians

The Co-Chairman of the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly, Joe McHugh TD, has expressed his best wishes to all Irish athletes competing in the Olympic Games in London over the next fortnight.

Deputy McHugh said that with the Games taking place on Ireland's doorstep, these are as close to a home Olympics as possible for Irish people. He added that as a result of this there have been many positive spin-offs for the economy especially in the construction sector with many Irish building companies actively involved in various Olympics related projects in London.

Deputy McHugh said that this demonstrated the ever-closer relationship between the British and Irish economies and hoped that contracts achieved by Irish businesses in the run-up to and during the Olympics would yield further opportunities in the future.

Deputy McHugh commented, "First and foremost the Olympic Games are a celebration of sport and in this regard I want to pay tribute to all Irish Olympians participating in the Games over the next two weeks. It is a major achievement to represent your country at the world's greatest sporting event and I hope they seize this opportunity and perform to their very best.

"The Olympic Games are also a major business opportunity and we have seen many Irish companies capitalise on this, particularly local construction companies. The jobs and opportunities the Olympics have brought have benefitted Irish people and provided employment at a time of economic downturn and deep recession.

"The British Irish Parliamentary Assembly is actively trying to work with businesses to identify ways and policies that will boost the inter-dependent nature of our two economies to stimulate growth. We look forward to a successful Olympic Games from both a sporting and economic viewpoint."

ENDS