THIRTY DRIVERS and 15 coaches belonging to the only Irish transport company to secure a contract with the London Olympics will leave Ireland this morning for the games.
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar yesterday congratulated the company, Matthews Coach Hire, for securing the contract.
The company, which is based in Inniskeen, Co Monaghan, will provide transport for athletes at the Olympic Games.
“The economic spin-offs of the Olympic Games become apparent when we see an innovative company like Matthews flying the flag for Ireland,” the Minister said.
“The Government has worked hard to ensure that Ireland enjoys the full benefit from the Olympic Games being staged in the UK.”
He added: “Fifteen countries have already chosen Ireland as a training base in the run-up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
A spokesman for the Olympic Council of Ireland congratulated the company.
“It is another example of Irish enterprise at its best and is part of over €250 million worth of contracts won by top Irish companies in relation to the London 2012 games,” the spokesman said.