MOVES are being made by Donegal County Council to attract Olympic teams to Donegal and the North West region to train prior to the London 2012 games.

Cllr Brian O'Domhnaill proposed that Donegal County Council, in conjunction with Derry City Council, set up a task force or working group with the objective of showcasing the region to Olympic teams.

Since Cllr O'Domhnaill first mooted the idea, the County Council's Community, Enterprise and Cultural services have been engaged in progressing the matter. It has been confirmed that contact has been made with Derry City Council with a view towards ascertaining if, and how, a co-ordinated cross-border, North West approach might be adopted to attract national teams to this region to prepare for the 2012 Olympics.

The North West region has been highlighted by elected representatives in recent months as a potential training camp fro Olympic teams. This was particularly emphasised by Cllr. Ciaran Brogan with reference to the new leisure centre and sports facility at Sallaghagrane, Letterkenny.

Donegal County Council also confirmed that in response to its approaches, Derry City Council indicated a willingness to work in partnership on this project. In light of this the necessary work will now take place between the two councils, explained a spokesperson for Donegal County Council.

"An important part of this initial phase will work will be the identification of the key cross-border stakeholders who will form a working group/task force drawn from relevant bodies on each side of the border," explained the spokesperson.

It is intended to agree a strategy and action plan to ensure the best possible results for the region in relation to this project.