It gives me great pleasure to be here with all of you this afternoon, to perform this, the official opening of the Ballygar Equestrian Centre. I am sure that at times over the past five years, Tommy Kenny may have wondered whether this day would ever come. As all of you know, it's one thing to have a brilliant idea, but quite another altogether to bring that idea to fruition.

You'll discover along the way that not everyone may share your vision and enthusiasm, or be as one hundred per cent convinced as you are that your project will be successful. Anyone who has ever embarked on a project like this will be only too familiar with the indifference, the doubts, the uncertainty they'll meet in certain quarters.

So, five years ago, Tommy Kenny may have set out to complete this ambitious project with nothing except his own absolute conviction that it would succeed. It would be a mighty task. So many surveys to be done, feasibility studies had to be undertaken, markets to be analysed, grants to be applied for, and conditions to be adhered to. But he was resolute. He never balked, not once. Tommy's own conviction and the huge amount of commitment and research which he put into this project encouraged others to come on board with him.

The Business Innovation Centre in Roscommon, have, in Tommy's own words, been "fantastic". Ireland West Tourism and Galway Rural Development have played a very important role in seeing this project completed. Bord Failte through ERDF funds, Teagasc in its advisory and executive roles have played both a substantive and substantial part in securing this equestrian centre for Ballygar.

The CEO of the Galway County Enterprise Board, Mr. Charles Lynch, and Mr. Douglas Jordan in Bord Failte's Dublin Office also had very significant roles. Indeed, together with Tommy Kenny, they have put Ballygar on the national, and hopefully in the future, the international equestrian-tourism map.

Already Ballygar's first Spring League in association with the Showjumping Association of Ireland, attracted over 900 horses and ponies. They came not only from the wider Galway/Roscommon area, but also came from Mayo, Sligo, Ferbane, Fermanagh and beyond. You will all agree that this is a phenomenal success at such an early stage. It is to be commended.

Furthermore, I understand that Ballygar Equestrian Centre will be marketed strategically at international tourism fairs. This is an excellent decision. It's a sign of the determination of all of those involved to maximise the tourism potential of the centre for the wider geographical area. Moreover, it's a vitally important indication of their understanding of the tough, noisy marketplace that is international tourism today, and just what it takes to stake your claim. I think you will agree that, in this instance, Ballygar is in particularly good hands.

This new centre will cater comprehensively for various aspects of equestrian activity, from livery and riding lessons to trail-riding and trekking. With Ireland representing one of the finest environments in Europe for equestrian pursuits, in terms of its temperate climate and varied landscape, Ballygar's unspoilt beauty and natural amenity areas are bound to see it do well.

Those in the industry will be aware that the equestrian product is well developed in the East and the South West. We in Government, however, will be working hard to ensure that the West takes an equally prominent place in this lucrative, expanding market. It is our intention that Ballygar will be as much renowned for its equestrian activity as it is for its excellent coarse fishing.

It remains for me to wish, Tommy Kenny, and indeed all of those involved with this truly exceptional venture, every luck, success and prosperity in the future.

It is in all our interests that Tommy's vision and enterprising spirit should be both recognised and rewarded. Because, quite simply, it is a great example of what can be achieved with belief, courage, endeavour and tenacity. Congratulations to you all, but especially to Tommy Kenny and all of those who have supported this great project.

Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.