Speech by the Taoiseach, Mr. Brian Cowen, T.D., at the Official Opening of the Convention Centre Dublin (CCD) on Tuesday, 7 September 2010 at 12.00pm
A dhaoine uaisle;
Tá an-áthas orm a bheith i bhur measc chun Ionad Coinbhinsiún Bhaile Átha Cliath a oscailt go hoifigiúil.
Inniu osclaímid ré nua do thurasóireacht gnó agus coinbhinsiún anseo in Éirinn.
Déanaim comhghairdeachas freisin leis an ailtire, Kevin Roche a dhearaigh an foirgneamh iontach seo.
Buíochas lena shamhlaíocht, tá Ionad nua-aimseartha den chéad scoth i gcroílár ár bpríomhchathair a churfidh go mór leis an éarnáil turasóireachta agus le geilleagar na tíre sna blianta atá amach romhainn.
A chairde;
I would like to welcome you to this magnificent building which is already a landmark in the Dublin skyline.
At the outset, I would like to pay tribute to the Irish architect of this iconic building, Kevin Roche.
Kevin's work here can be added to his design of museums, corporate headquarters, performing arts centres, theatres, campus buildings for universities, and New York's Central Park Zoo, to name but a few of his many accomplishments.
He has been described as "one of the most creative designers in glass that the 20th century has produced". We can all agree that Kevin has designed a remarkable and landmark building for the city of his birth and I congratulate him.
Today, it is also appropriate to recognise the work that many Ministers have done over the years to bring this project to fruition. Much of the groundwork was done by my colleague Bertie Ahern T.D., who has been central to so many of the great developments that have rejuvenated this area. In 2003 the Government, under his leadership agreed in principal to build this Centre and his commitment to this project was an important factor in driving it forward. I want to acknowledge that commitment here today.
As Minister for Finance, I had the pleasure of being involved when the final contract was awarded for the Public Private Partnership in April 2007. I worked closely with many colleagues who held the tourism portfolio down through the years and who today should feel very proud of their input to this project.
The opening of the Convention Centre Dublin marks the beginning of a new era for convention and business tourism in Ireland.
Tourism is a vital export industry for Ireland. In 2009, the tourism and hospitality sector represented almost 4% of GNP, helped to generate almost €4 billion in foreign earnings and in the order of €1.3 billion in tax revenue and continues to be an essential part of the Government's strategy for economic recovery and job creation.
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.
Indeed, Fáilte Ireland estimates that, including air fares, each delegate is worth over €1,500 to the Irish economy.
This Centre strengthens greatly the hand of the tourism agencies in promoting Ireland as a venue for international conference business. It will boost the Irish economy not only through the conference fees generated here, but the spin-off business for hotels, restaurants, taxis, pubs, shops as well as cultural and tourist attractions.
A great deal of work has already been done to whet appetites overseas for this world-class facility. I know that 120 top international decision-makers and 25 specialist overseas media have travelled here today to experience the Centre for themselves and sample what Ireland has to offer at first hand.
I believe that we offer delegates the perfect combination of high quality professional facilities, in a friendly and sociable city.
The Government has high expectations and high annual targets for the Centre, including tens of thousands of international conference delegates.
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.
Of course, the Centre will generate employment directly. In addition to the 750 jobs generated during the construction phase, the Centre will have 250 full-time, and up to 500 part time employees, an important employment legacy from the State's investment.
The Convention Centre Dublin is just one example of the tangible benefits of capital investment over recent years.
Many of these projects can be seen from this building - for example the Samuel Beckett Bridge just outside, the new Grand Canal Theatre on the other side of that Bridge, the Aviva Stadium just down the road, and the new Luas line which runs along the back of this Centre.
Other new projects which will make Ireland an attractive place to visit and do business are Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport, the motorway network between our main cities and many new tourist attractions around the country. These are examples of good public investment which are paying dividends and will help drive our recovery.
Building on these achievements, the State will invest €40 billion in economic and social infrastructure in the period up to 2016.
We have reviewed all our capital programmes and identified new priorities and opportunities given the changed circumstances the country faces.
We have re-focused on investments which will help create sustainable jobs - by shifting resources to areas which will help Irish companies grow, and attract more foreign investment.
Tourism is an essential part of that growth and jobs agenda - with this new Convention Centre helping us deliver on our goals.
In conclusion, I wish to congratulate Spencer Dock Development Company and the building contractors CMP/Sisks on their success in bringing the Convention Centre Dublin to completion on schedule.
I wish to also express my thanks and congratulations to the public bodies which have been involved in overseeing this project: the Office of Public Works, as contracting authority for the State, the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport, the Department of Finance, and the National Development Finance Agency.
Finally, I wish the Convention Centre Dublin, and its management and staff, every success into the future. You have an important role - to showcase Ireland and extend a Céad Míle Fáilte to the World.
It now gives me great pleasure to officially open the Convention Centre Dublin.
ENDS.