The Taoiseach has congratulated the UK Government on the selection of London as host city of the 2012 Olympic Games.
Bertie Ahern said the decision of the International Olympic Committee would have positive repercussions for Ireland as well as Britain.
The Chief Executive of the Irish Sports Council, John Treacy, has welcomed the awarding of the Olympics to London.
The former athlete said it would be a great motivation for Irish athletes.
Mr Treacy said that Ireland should benefit from the London games by providing training facilities for teams who wish to prepare in a climate similar to that of the UK.
London beat the favourite Paris by 54 to 50 votes after bids from Moscow, New York and Madrid were eliminated.
The IOC's President, Jacques Rogge, made the announcement in a televised ceremony after a day of deliberations in Singapore.
The five finalist cities made their final presentations to the IOC earlier today.
Paris had been widely seen as the favourite in advance of voting though many observers regarded the outcome as too close to predict.
