The SDLP has sought the Government's support for plans for an Olympics-standard athletics facility in Derry.
A four-member SDLP delegation met the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism John O'Donoghue for 45 minutes in his Dublin office yesterday.
SDLP tourism and leisure spokesman Pat Ramsay sought support on several initiatives including:
Speaking after the meeting, Mr O'Donoghue said: "We believe that there is tremendous scope for further co-operation and development, not just in tourism but in sport. There would be even more progress if the Executive and Assembly were up and running again."
He expressed his support for the commemoration of the Flight of the Earls which would include a summer school and a re-enactment of key events in Rathmullan, Co Donegal, Dungannon and Derry city.
In September 1607, Hugh O'Neill, Second Earl of Tyrone, and Rory O'Donnell, First Earl of Tyrconnell, set sail from Rathmullan with 90 of their followers and never returned to Ireland. "You could describe it as a celebration or a commemoration depending on your perspective," Mr O'Donoghue said.
"The plans are elaborate, but the Government aims to co-operate with the SDLP in every way we can."
Speaking about plans for the Olympic "centre of excellence" in Derry, Mr Ramsay said: "Pre-Olympics is high on the agenda because we need to ensure that our young people are not disadvantaged by lack of access to high-quality facilities.
"This would also be a sustainable project that would provide excellent facilities for young people long after the Olympics."
The SDLP delegation also included Irish language spokesperson Dominic Bradley, enterprise spokesman Seán Farren and Derry councillor Seana Hume.