Green Light for Convention Centre - Hotel Catering Review

Tuesday, 24 April 2007

Construction work on Ireland's long- awaited National Conference Centre begins at Spencer Dock in Dublin's north docklands this month following the announcement that the contract to build and operate the centre has finally been awarded to Treasury Holdings' Spencer Dock Convention Centre Dublin Ltd. Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism John O'Donoghue announced the signing of the new deal on 5 April, claiming that it represents 'a major milestone for Irish tourism' and adding that it 'delivers the last major commitment in respect of tourism under the Agreed Programme for Government'. The Conference Centre will be designed, built and financed by the Treasury Holdings company which will operate the facility for 25 years before returning it to the State. In return, the State will pay the company an annual charge once the facility is up and running, the maximum cost of which, over 25 years, will be just under 380m in present day values. The Centre, which has been designed by the internationally renowned Irish-born architect Kevin Roche, will accommodate up to 2,000 delegates in plenary session and will have 22 multi purpose meeting rooms, approximately 4500sq.m of exhibition and banqueting space as well as dedicated media, utility and delegate support facilities. Welcoming the announcement of the new deal, Failte Ireland chair Gillian Bowler said: 'The signing of contracts on the National Conference Centre brings with it a step-change in Irish tourism. We will now be equipped to go and compete among the best to attract lucrative events to Ireland. I am particularly pleased that such a striking and innovative design has been selected, which will enhance the Liffey-scape for generations to come.