A new convention centre in Dublin, for which the NEC Group is providing management services, is now open for business.

The NEC Group said the opening of The Convention Centre Dublin was a major step forward in its ambition to develop its off-site consultancy management business.

It aims to make this project as successful as The ICC in the next few years.

The centre has been over 40 months in development and construction, but can now host events for up to 8,000 people. To date, The CCD has secured 150 events.

Taoiseach Brian Cowan said: “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 and is an essential part of the Government’s strategy for economic recovery and job creation.”

The Convention Centre Dublin chief executive Nick Waight said: “It has been an incredible journey.

“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.”