NI's Olympic plans must become reality - Long

4.25.00pm GMT Thu 2nd Mar 2006

Alliance Party Vice Chair Michael Long has welcomed plans for elite sporting facilities in Northern Ireland to be built in time for the London Olympics, but called for assurance that these plans will become reality.

The Castlereagh Councillor stated: "Plans for elite sporting facilities such as an Olympic-sized swimming pool will be welcome by sportspeople and fans alike. This has the potential to bring a whole new class of facility to Northern Ireland, and provide a real boost for sport at all levels. Generations to come would stand to benefit.

"However, too often in the past a mix of cynicism and niggling over minor details has threatened such proposals here. We must ensure this vision becomes a reality. Constant pettiness will get us nowhere.

"2012 is a key date not just because the Olympic Games come to the UK, but because Belfast will be a potential world tourist centre for the 100th anniversary of Titanic. Failure to capitalize on this potential would be unforgivable."

ENDS