Rock concerts will contribute nearly €90 million to Dublin's economy this summer, with fans flocking in unprecedented numbers to watch artists such as Robbie Williams, Massive Attack and Metallica.

With 550,000 expected to have attended shows by the end of August, the capital's ability to attract acts of international stature has provided a crucial boost at a time of dwindling tourist numbers, according to Dublin Chamber of Commerce.

Roughly half of concert-goers are from parts of the Republic outside Dublin, 15 per cent from Northern Ireland and 7 per cent from overseas, figures compiled by the chamber reveal.

Pubs and restaurants are the biggest beneficiaries, reaping €34 million from the concert season, while hotels and guesthouses gain €19 million, shops €15 million and airlines and ferries €4 million, according to the chamber.

The summer gigs, culminating in the Rolling Stones's visit to Lansdowne Road in early September, follow the Special Olympics, which was worth an estimated €30 million to Dublin.

The success of this month's Robbie Williams concert in the Phoenix Park - the largest held in the Republic, with 135,000 attending - vindicated the controversial decision to license the venue for rock shows, said Mr Declan Martin, policy director at the chamber. Local objections should not be allowed derail what has become a hugely lucrative industry, he insisted.

Mr Martin said: "Dublin's tourism season is being kept alive by a series of major sports and entertainment events, with pop concerts and the Special Olympics being the main contributors to an otherwise flat season for visitors to the capital."

He added: "There has been no significant increase in the major overseas tourism markets this year. However, an extended programme of major pop concerts, and other sports events such as GAA games, the women's mini marathon and the Special Olympics have provided a major boost for Dublin's hotels, pubs, restaurants and other visitor attractions.

"Several years ago, an injunction was sought by residents against the holding of the U2 concerts in Lansdowne Road. Everything from the noise to the smell of hot dogs was highlighted as a reason not to hold the events - but there was no mention of the economic benefits to the city."