Convention Centre Dublin by Kevin Roche opens

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After forty months of development and construction, and over a decade of planning wrangles and debate, Ireland’s first purpose-built conference centre has opened. Announced as the world’s first carbon neutral convention centre, it is the first Irish building designed by Pritzker Prize-winning and Irish-born architect Kevin Roche. The CCD features a unique glass atrium, which encompass the full height of the building and offers visitors an opportunity to experience Dublin with extensive views across the skyline, bay and Dublin Mountains. Solar gain through the south-facing atrium is such that it would cast doubt on the claims of carbon neutality to to the air conditioning required to keep it to a comfortable temperature.

“The opening of The Convention Centre Dublin marks the beginning of a new era for convention and business tourism in Ireland,” said Irish Prime Minister, An Taoiseach, Mr. Brian Cowan, T.D. “Tourism is a vital export industry for Ireland and is an essential part of the Government’s strategy for economic recovery and job creation.”

“It has been an incredible journey,” said Nick Waight, CEO, The Convention Centre Dublin. “The building is one of the best equipped and most flexible convention centres in existence and our magnificently talented and professional team will ensure we can compete with the top conference venues worldwide. We look forward to welcoming the world to Dublin’s doorstep.”

The building is situated in Spencer Dock on the banks of the Liffey and is configured to accommodate conferences from 8 to 8,000 participants in 22 purpose-built meeting rooms. It includes a 2,000-seat auditorium, 4,500 square metres of exhibition space and banqueting facilities for up to 5,000 guests. The centre combines flexible and elegant conference halls and meeting spaces with an experienced management team and an extensive range of support services.