Work is to begin in October on the £80 million National Conference Centre planned for a CIE-owned site in Dublin's docklands, a spokesman for the developers has told The Irish Times.
The project has received a "favourable" review from Peter Bacon Associates, the economic consultants appointed to carry out a cost-benefit analysis, and is now awaiting formal approval from the Government and the EU Commission.
It is to be built on a site fronting the Liffey at North Wall Quay and Spencer Dock, where the Royal Canal joins the river. The site is now part of CIE's rail freight marshalling yards.
The scheme, which finally emerged in June after a hard-fought competition among potential developers, is being designed by Mr Kevin Roche, the Irish-born architect who has won numerous accolades for his work. The National Conference Centre is Mr Roche's first major project in Ireland since he emigrated to the US almost 50 years ago. His current work includes a commission from President Bill Clinton to design his presidential library.
It was anticipated that an Irish firm of architects would be engaged as consultants. However, after interviewing several leading practices, Mr Roche has now decided to set up his own sub-office in Dublin.
Details of a deal between the developers headed by Treasury Holdings, CIE and the Dublin Docklands Development Authority to permit the scheme to proceed are still being worked out.
The project qualifies for £25 million in EU aid under the tourism development programme. However, in order to draw down this money, construction work must be substantially completed before the end of 2000.
