O'Keeffe Announces 200 Million Euro In Olympics Contracts

Enterprise Ireland Helps Irish Firms Secure Deals And Create Jobs

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O'Keeffe TD, announced last week that Irish companies have secured over €200 million worth of contracts for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Irish firms won contracts across a range of sectors including construction, electronics, software, architecture and renewable energy.

Minister O'Keeffe announced the contracts during a visit to Dublin by a senior delegation from the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) organised by Enterprise Ireland.

Enterprise Ireland has been working closely with client companies and the ODA for a number of years to maximise the involvement of Irish firms in the delivery of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

This ongoing co-operation has so far led to the award of contracts to Irish companies worth more than €200 million.

The ODA was in Dublin to meet Enterprise Ireland client companies and discuss the remaining opportunities for Irish firms in preparation for London 2012.

Congratulating the Enterprise Ireland client companies that won contracts, Minister O'Keeffe described the delivery of London 2012 as "a significant project that requires the highest levels of innovation, quality and professionalism among providers."

"The scale of contracts secured by these companies attests strongly to the excellence of their products and services.

"The ongoing co-operation between the ODA and Enterprise Ireland has resulted in valuable business opportunities and jobs for Irish firms and their workers.

"And the impact of the contract wins will have knock-on revenue implications for Irish sub-suppliers.

"I strongly urge other Irish companies to exploit the opportunity and support available through Enterprise Ireland and the ODA to secure contracts in the next phase of preparation for London 2012," said Minister O'Keeffe.

After the announcement, Enterprise Ireland and the ODA hosted a joint seminar for Irish companies across a wide range of sectors.

ODA procurement teams presented details of upcoming opportunities and the procurement processes.

The next development phase of the London 2012 involves the fitting-out of buildings and day-to-day running of the Games.

Thousands of contracts remain to be won in areas including security, catering, mobile buildings, waste management and venue fit-out.

The chairman of the ODA, John Armitt, said: "Businesses of all types and sizes are helping to deliver the London 2012 Games and many Irish companies have already made the most of the golden business opportunities available.

"While the bulk of the ODA's direct contracts have now been awarded, there are still opportunities through the UK-wide supply chain and with the organising committee that will run the Games in 2012.

"Companies should seize the moment and sign up to www.CompeteFor.com - the free online service enabling businesses to compete for contract opportunities linked to the London 2012 Games and other major public and private sector buying organisations - to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

The chief executive of Enterprise Ireland, Frank Ryan, said: "Export-led growth is critical to employment and economic growth in Ireland.

"The scale of the London 2012 project represents a huge opportunity for Irish firms across a number of sectors.

"The Irish successes to date prove that Irish companies can compete against global competitors and win these prestigious and important contracts.

"Pursuing the substantial opportunities that are available in the UK at the moment can provide the perfect launch pad for Irish firms seeking export-led growth in overseas markets.

"We urge clients across all sectors with innovative quality services and solutions to offer to pursue the opportunities that are now presented."