DUBLIN – September 7, 2010 – The Convention Centre Dublin (The CCD) announced today it is open for business. After forty months of development and construction, Ireland’s first purpose-built conference centre is ready to support the local economy by attracting international delegates to Dublin to host events for up to 8,000 people. To date, The CCD has secured 150 events, which will result in a boost of over €110m* in economic benefit for Dublin.

“The opening of the Convention Centre Dublin marks the beginning of a new era for convention and business tourism in Ireland. Tourism is a vital export industry for Ireland and is an essential part of the Government’s strategy for economic recovery and job creation,” said An Taoiseach, Mr. Brian Cowan, T.D. “One area of opportunity for us is business tourism and this Centre will help Ireland win a greater share of this lucrative market, which, despite the international downturn, continues to provide high-value visitors. All Ministers and State Agencies will be working hard to identify international events which we can attract here. Likewise, I would like to ask all private and voluntary sector organisations to actively promote the Centre as a location for international conferences – so we can maximise its impact on the local economy.”

Recognised as the world’s first carbon neutral convention centre, The CCD is the result of a Public Private Partnership with The Office of Public Works. Located on the banks of the River Liffey, this exciting project was developed by Treasury Holdings and designed by Pritzker Prize-winning and Irish-born architect Kevin Roche. This is the first Irish building for Roche. The CCD’s focal point is a unique glass atrium, which contains 475 panes of different-sized curved glass panels that encompass the full height of the building. Visitors attending events at The CCD will have an opportunity to experience Dublin with extensive views across the skyline, bay and the Dublin Mountains.

“The CCD is a truly outstanding building. Not only does it enhance the Dublin skyline, but because it was designed from the inside-out, it provides the optimal user experience for all visitors,” said Dermod Dwyer, Chairman, The Convention Centre Dublin.  “This iconic landmark will allow us to demonstrate new international standards of hospitality coupled with the renowned Irish welcome. I am confident we are on track to reach our goal of being recognised as the best conference centre in Europe by 2014.”

The CCD enables Ireland to compete in the lucrative business tourism market by attracting a range of conferences from the International association and corporate markets as well as a variety of national corporate and banqueting events. Whilst commissioning and testing the building, The CCD hosted a number of prestigious events including XFactor, The Britian’s Got Talent Show and 175th Anniversary conference for Engineers Ireland.

“It has been an incredible journey,” said Nick Waight, CEO, The Convention Centre Dublin. “The building is one of the best equipped and most flexible convention centres in existence and our magnificently talented and professional team will ensure we can compete with the top conference venues worldwide. We look forward to welcoming the world to Dublin’s doorstep.”

The CCD will benefit the local economy as international visitors spend on local services and suppliers, including local transportation, hotel rooms, dining and entertainment. The venue has also created both full-time and part-time jobs, which could reach over 250 staff on any given day depending on the size and number of events. In addition, The CCD aims to source all supplies locally, including food products, consumables, print and services.

 

ENDS

About The Convention Centre Dublin

Developed by Treasury Holdings, The Convention Centre Dublin is situated in Spencer Dock on the banks of the River Liffey. Ireland’s first purpose-built international conference and event venue is positioned to become the leading convention centre in Europe.  Recognised as the first carbon neutral international convention centre, the venue is configured to accommodate conferences from 8 to 8,000 participants in 22 purpose-built meeting rooms. It includes a 2,000-seat auditorium, 4,500 square metres of exhibition space and banqueting facilities for up to 3,000 guests. The centre combines flexible and elegant conference halls and meeting spaces with an experienced management team and an extensive range of support services. Offering the latest technology, this sophisticated venue offers advanced audio-visual equipment, lighting and sound systems as well as Wi-Fi enabled halls and meeting rooms. For more information, please visit www.theccd.ie

 

*According to recent research conducted by ipsos MRBI on behalf of Fáilte Ireland, the total value of an international association conference delegate over the period of their stay in Ireland is €1,507