National Conference Centre process begins

The Government has begun the process of establishing the long-awaited National Conference Centre in Dublin.

A notice inviting expressions of interest in its provision has been issued for publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

A minimum delegate seating capacity of 2000 has been specified and the centre must be based in the Dublin area.

However, the State has also reserved the right to identify an appropriate site within its ownership or control.

If acceptable proposals are received the NCC could be constructed before the end of 2007, according to John O'Donoghue, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism.

He said today: "In partnership with private sector investors the centre is one of the key actions to support tourism product development and innovation identified in the recent Report of the Tourism Policy Review Group.

"According to Failte Ireland, the current level of overseas conference and meetings visitors to Ireland each year is in the region of 120,000 with Dublin being by far the most popular region," he added.

Estimates have indicated that an additional 30,000 visitors a year could be generated through the availability of a dedicated conference centre.

This could also have additional spin-offs in the form of private holidays with the Irish economy set to benefit to the tune of €25m to €50m.

The deadline for applications has been set as January 21, 2004.