Dublin docklands and the lower stretches of the River Liffey are set to benefit from a major rejuvenation, with plans unveiled for new leisure and entertainment amenities. Expect to stroll along quaysides that are vibrant and full of life with plenty of things to do.

The Dublin Docklands Development Authority has appointed consultants to develop a river regeneration strategy for the Liffey, downstream of Butt Bridge, and also a cruise tourism strategy. The catalyst for developing the riverside was the visit of Tall Ships Race to Dublin last year. Over one million people visited the docklands during the festival.

Peter Coyne, Chief Executive of DDDA, said the tall ships' visit demonstrated in a positive way "how enjoyable the river can be as a source of entertainment and leisure".

Waterways Environment Services (WES), an advisory organisation sponsored by the UK Department of Transport, Environment and Regions, is to prepare a report on the future development of the River Liffey and quays in the docklands, and take account of the needs of both commercial and residential occupiers.

Joanne Geary, marketing and communications manager of DDDA, said the Liffey was an important amenity for the city and it would be possible to bring life to the area by developing restaurants beside and on the river, cafe bars, hotels, marinas, moorings, watersports facilities, walks and river taxis.

Ms Geary said the DDDA would be encouraging developers and investors to become involved in providing the facilities.

In all, DDDA is looking at developing 200 acres of docks, one km of riverside from Matt Talbot Bridge to East Link Bridge, on each side of the Liffey, and up to two km of dockside around the Grand Canal area.

A new hotel is under construction in the docklands and the provision of further hotels would probably have to be in the Grand Canal Docks, where space is available. It is hoped to attract leisure customers into the area by providing budget accommodation such as inn-type hotels and B & Bs. DDDA also hopes to install a partially covered public arena for cultural events.

WES was recently involved in planning a water space strategy around and along Canary Wharf in London's Docklands. London Docklands was used as a backdrop to scenes in the new James Bond film, The World is Not Enough, guaranteeing huge publicity for the area.

Judy Grice, of WES, said any range of activities must also have land-based opportunities. These should interest property developers because riverside schemes provide added value to tenants and a pleasant environment. WES will be looking at Dublin in the context of what has been happening in Europe and worldwide, where there was a growing trend of river regeneration.

Tourism and Transport Consult (TTC) has been appointed to look at the feasibility of cruise tourism for Dublin. Sandra Kernan, of TTC, said cruise tourism worldwide "is facing huge growth and 37 new ships will be built in the next two years". The overall size of liners was also increasing, with some of the new commissioned ships taking up to 3,600 passengers.

If it is to pursue the cruise tourism market, the DDDA would have to build a terminal and provide facilities at a deep-water mooring.

Ms Geary said if the DDDA were to build a cruise terminal, "it would make sense to provide a facility that could be used for other purposes, perhaps conference or leisure facilities".

The DDDA's project partners include rd Bord Failte, Dublin Tourism, Dublin Corporation, Dublin Chamber of Commerce and Dublin Port.