Taoiseach to open National Convention Centre

The National Convention Centre will have its official opening later today.

The Taoiseach Brian Cowen will be among those attending a civic reception to mark the launch of the €380m project.

The centre, which is almost half million square feet, has so far attracted 150 events with a further 300 booked, some as far out as 2021.

Chairman of the Convention Centre Dermot Dwyer is hoping it will turn profit in a short time.

Dublin Chamber of Commerce meanwhile said the conferences already booked into the Convention Centre will benefit the Dublin economy by approximately €120m.

“The opening of the Dublin Convention Centre will provide a welcome boost to the local economy," said Gina Quin, Dublin Chamber chief executive.

"The unique new venue has the capacity to attract international conferences to the capital and this will in turn boost a number of industries such as the hospitality sector."