After 20 years in the making, the €380m Convention Centre in Dublin (CCD) opens today.

The State-owned centre on Spencer Dock will employ 250 people on a full-time basis.

The CCD suffered numerous delays including court challenges and abandoned public processes to select a developer. However, the centre's operators say it will double the value of business tourism to €1bn a year by 2013.

The centre, with its distinctive rounded glass front, can accommodate up to 8,000 delegates and includes a 2,000-seat auditorium and banqueting facilities for up to 3,000 people.

Opening the centre, Taoiseach Brian Cowan said the centre marked the beginning of a new era for convention and business tourism in Ireland.

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“One area of opportunity for us is business tourism and this Centre will help Ireland win a greater share of this lucrative market, which, despite the international downturn, continues to provide high-value visitors," Mr Cowen said.

He added: "All Ministers and State Agencies will be working hard to identify international events which we can attract here. Likewise, I would like to ask all private and voluntary sector organisations to actively promote the Centre as a location for international conferences – so we can maximise its impact on the local economy.”

Built by the Spencer Dock Development Company, led by Treasury Holdings, the centre will be operated as a public-private partnership.

It's claimed the centre is the world’s first carbon neutral convention centre and features a unique glass atrium, which contains 475 panes of different-sized curved glass panels that encompass the full height of the building.

“The CCD is a truly outstanding building. Not only does it enhance the Dublin skyline, but because it was designed from the inside-out, it provides the optimal user experience for all visitors,” said Dermod Dwyer, Chairman of convention centre. “This iconic landmark will allow us to demonstrate new international standards of hospitality coupled with the renowned Irish welcome. I am confident we are on track to reach our goal of being recognised as the best conference centre in Europe by 2014.”

(DW/KMcA)