The building of Ireland's first national conference centre is ahead of schedule as work began today on the steel structure.
Minister for Tourism Seamus Brennan, launching the latest phase of the works on Dublin's Docklands, said the centre would help double the business tourism market.
The centre is scheduled to open its doors in three years with independent estimates forecasting it will bring €25-€50 million into the economy.
"This flagship project will open a door for Ireland to the massive €40 billion global business tourism market.
"Business tourists are high-yielding visitors who tend to spend around 70 per cent more than regular holidaymakers," Minister Brennan said, noting that the centre has already taken bookings.
He said the "futuristic design" of Convention Centre Dublin will make it a "an iconic structure for the city".
The centre, designed by the world-renowned Pritzker prize-winning architect, Kevin Roche, will accommodate up to 8,000 delegates.
Managers plan to stage over 200 events each year with the creation of 250 new full-time and 300 part-time posts.
PA