The Treasury Holdings consortium is now being tipped as favourite to win the competition to build the National Conference Centre, with sources believing that the board charged with making the decision by Bord Failte will forward its decision to Government next week. The board's decision is due by the end of the month, but there is strong speculation that it is likely to be forwarded to the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Dr McDaid, ahead of the final date. He is then likely to bring the decision to Cabinet for approval. Five consortia have entered proposals to build the project, expected to cost around £70 million and attract EU support of some £25 million. The Treasury Holdings group for a development of the CIE-owned railway yards on the North Wall, between the IFSC and the Port, is now seen as the favourite, according to sources.
Treasury Holdings is run by Mr John Ronan and Mr Richard Barrett who retained US based architect, Mr Kevin Roche, to design the scheme. It includes the conference facilities, a pair of hotels, and retail, leisure, office and apartment space.
However, with the final report not yet forwarded and the Cabinet still to discuss the issue, another outcome to the competition remains possible.
The other leading contender is believed to be the Anna Livia consortium, led by Mr Sean Dunne, which includes British and European interests. Based around a Bord Gais Eireann site on the Grand Canal Docks, it features a rotunda-shaped conference hall on the River Liffey frontage and a 16-storey hotel to the rear.
The other three proposals come from the Office of Public Works, for a site near the Phoenix Park, the Royal Dublin Society, at its headquarters in Ballsbridge, and the Sonas Centre in the old Phoenix Park Racecourse.
The schemes have been assessed by an evaluation team established by Bord Failte, who have visited the five sites. The report from this group has been examined by an independent Management Board for Product Development, which oversees tourism investment projects grant-aided by the EU and will make the final recommendation to Government.
After that, the successful project must undergo an economic analysis to ensure it qualifies for EU funding by providing a sufficient economic return. It must pass through the planning process. To qualify for EU funding, the project must be completed by the year 2000.
