Omniplex Group, Ireland's largest Irish cinema chain, has announced commencement of construction on a major extension to the Swan Omniplex cinema in Rathmines, Dublin. The €5m euro investment will provide 4 additional screens, doubling the number of screens to 8, including an OmniplexMAXX giant format screen to serve the cinemagoers of South Dublin city and suburbs. The number of staff employed at the cinema will also double at all levels, including supervisor and management positions from the current 16 to 32 in total. 30 people will also be employed during construction.

The new OmniplexMAXX will be among the largest screens in the country. It will be the second OmniplexMAXX to open in the Republic after the Mahon Omniplex in Cork, which is due to open in October 2013. The existing 4 screens at the Swan Omniplex will operate as normal throughout construction.

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Paul Anderson, Managing Director of Omniplex Group, said: "An eight screen major multiplex in Rathmines will cater to the needs of savvy cinemagoers from the centre of Dublin and suburbs who demand a broader choice of movies. From the opening of our three screen Omniplex in 2009 cinema has thrived in Rathmines, further enhanced by the opening of a fourth screen last year. With this next phase of development we are close to realising our vision of cinema in Rathmines from when we embarked on this project in 1999."

Work has started on the extensive redevelopment which will extend over the top floor of The Swan Shopping Centre in Rathmines. Opened originally as a three screen cinema in 2009 at a cost of €3m, a fourth screen opened in December 2012 at a cost of €1m. When complete, the total investment in Swan Omniplex Rathmines will exceed €9 million.

Patrons will be able to enjoy exclusive custom-designed leather reclining armchairs, as standard, in all screens, Barco digital projection, MasterImage 3D and digital surround sound. OmniplexMAXX will also introduce next generation audio format to deliver an immersive 3D sound experience using a three dimensional 11.1 channel/speaker layout

As well as the latest blockbuster films Swan Omniplex Rathmines screens LIVE Opera from the MET, LIVE Bolshoi Ballet as well as LIVE Rock concerts and LIVE Sporting Events.

Construction is being undertaken by contractors Lough Construction. Architects on the project are Dublin firm Plus Architecture. Interior design concepts is by McCabe Design Group. Internal fit out is by Cinemascape.

(CD)