News and Press Releases

Contract awarded for National Conference Centre
Contract awarded for National Conference Centre
Hilton Dublin Opens
Step back into the Georgian era...
Boutique Boardrooms
The Osprey takes off
Corporate in the Country
Live like a Lord
Ice Bar Opens at Four Seasons, Dublin
Jurys Doyle Gets Dedicated
Conrad Dublin Refurbishment
www.ConradMeetings.com Goes Live
Jurys Doyle Hotel Group
Four Seasons Hotel Dublin

The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism John O'Donoghue, TD, today (Thursday, 5th April, 2007) announced that the contract for the provision of a National Conference Centre in Dublin has been awarded to Spencer Dock Convention Centre Dublin Ltd. The Minister said that he was delighted that after so many years of planning, Ireland's National Conference Centre was now about to become a reality. "The signing today of a contract between the Commissioners of Public Works and Spencer Dock Convention Centre Dublin Ltd represents a major milestone for Irish tourism", the Minister said. "It delivers the last major commitment in respect of tourism under the Agreed Programme for Government and follows a most successful performance by Irish tourism in 2006."

Under the public private partnership arrangement, Spencer Dock Convention Centre Dublin Ltd, is required to design, build and finance the National Conference Centre and to operate and maintain it for a period of 25 years, after which the facility will revert to the State. In return, once the construction of the Centre is complete and it is open for business, the State will pay the Company an annual charge, the maximum total cost of which over 25 years will be just under €380m in present day values.

Work on the Conference Centre, which will be located at Spencer Dock on the north side of the Liffey, will start immediately, as the project already has planning permission.

The building has been designed by the Pritzker Prize winner, Kevin Roche, the internationally renowned, Irish-born architect, who, after graduating from UCD School of Architecture in 1945, worked with the architect Michael Scott before moving to the United States where he is still an active member of the firm Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates. "Kevin Roche has been described as 'one of the most creative designers in glass that the 20th century has produced'", said the Minister, "and I am confident that his design for the National Conference Centre will deliver a landmark building befitting of our capital city, and outstanding among its competitors."

The Centre will be capable of accommodating up to 2,000 delegates in plenary session. It will also have some 22 multi-purpose meeting rooms and approximately 4500m² of flexible exhibition and banqueting space, along with associated press and delegate support facilities and general utility spaces. "In other words", said the Minister, " the National Conference Centre will encompass the full range of facilities usually associated with state of the art conference centres internationally."

The Minister said that the Centre is expected to be operational in 2010. "In the meantime, the operators, in co-operation with Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and the Dublin Convention Bureau will be engaged in marketing the Centre to secure bookings for 2010 and after. This will be crucial given that the lead in time between booking an international conference and the event taking place can range from 2/3 years for smaller conferences to as much as 7 years for very large events", said the Minister. "The prospects for the successful marketing and operation of the facility, however, will be considerable enhanced by the availability of VAT deductability of accommodation expenses for business conferences, announced in last December's Budget and included in this year's Finance Act."

The Minister pointed out that the imminent realisation of a National Conference Centre in Ireland represents a wonderful boost for Irish tourism and for the economy generally. "The provision of a National Conference Centre for Ireland has long been a goal and aspiration of successive Governments and I am pleased to be in a position to realise it. The importance of international conferences and business tourism to Ireland and the significance of its contribution to the continuing success of this key economic sector have long been recognised. In 2006, for example, almost 300,000 overseas business visitors came to Ireland, specifically for conferences, meetings, incentive trips and trade fairs. The value of this business in terms of visitor spend was estimated at €447m. Nevertheless, with a global conference market worth up to €40 billion per year, and 870 international association conferences taking place in Europe alone, Ireland, without a dedicated National Conference Centre, has lost out on much of the available business."

According to a number of independent estimates, the National Conference Centre, when fully operational, is expected to generate additional foreign revenue earnings of between €25m and €50m per year. Furthermore, Fáilte Ireland's forecasts for 2012, which take account of the potential impact of the National Conference Centre, show promotable business (i.e. conferences, meetings, incentive trips and trade fairs) visitor numbers at 567,000, compared to 295,000 in 2006, and associated revenue at €853m, compared to the 2006 figure of €447m.

In conclusion, the Minister wished Spencer Dock Convention Centre Dublin Ltd every success in relation to the Centre and thanked the National Conference Centre Steering Group, the Project Team and advisors for their sterling work in bringing this key project to contract award.

The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism John O'Donoghue, TD, today (Thursday, 5th April, 2007) announced that the contract for the provision of a National Conference Centre in Dublin has been awarded to Spencer Dock Convention Centre Dublin Ltd. The Minister said that he was delighted that after so many years of planning, Ireland's National Conference Centre was now about to become a reality. "The signing today of a contract between the Commissioners of Public Works and Spencer Dock Convention Centre Dublin Ltd represents a major milestone for Irish tourism", the Minister said. "It delivers the last major commitment in respect of tourism under the Agreed Programme for Government and follows a most successful performance by Irish tourism in 2006."

Under the public private partnership arrangement, Spencer Dock Convention Centre Dublin Ltd, is required to design, build and finance the National Conference Centre and to operate and maintain it for a period of 25 years, after which the facility will revert to the State. In return, once the construction of the Centre is complete and it is open for business, the State will pay the Company an annual charge, the maximum total cost of which over 25 years will be just under €380m in present day values.

Work on the Conference Centre, which will be located at Spencer Dock on the north side of the Liffey, will start immediately, as the project already has planning permission.

The building has been designed by the Pritzker Prize winner, Kevin Roche, the internationally renowned, Irish-born architect, who, after graduating from UCD School of Architecture in 1945, worked with the architect Michael Scott before moving to the United States where he is still an active member of the firm Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates. "Kevin Roche has been described as 'one of the most creative designers in glass that the 20th century has produced'", said the Minister, "and I am confident that his design for the National Conference Centre will deliver a landmark building befitting of our capital city, and outstanding among its competitors."

The Centre will be capable of accommodating up to 2,000 delegates in plenary session. It will also have some 22 multi-purpose meeting rooms and approximately 4500m² of flexible exhibition and banqueting space, along with associated press and delegate support facilities and general utility spaces. "In other words", said the Minister, " the National Conference Centre will encompass the full range of facilities usually associated with state of the art conference centres internationally."

The Minister said that the Centre is expected to be operational in 2010. "In the meantime, the operators, in co-operation with Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and the Dublin Convention Bureau will be engaged in marketing the Centre to secure bookings for 2010 and after. This will be crucial given that the lead in time between booking an international conference and the event taking place can range from 2/3 years for smaller conferences to as much as 7 years for very large events", said the Minister. "The prospects for the successful marketing and operation of the facility, however, will be considerable enhanced by the availability of VAT deductability of accommodation expenses for business conferences, announced in last December's Budget and included in this year's Finance Act."

The Minister pointed out that the imminent realisation of a National Conference Centre in Ireland represents a wonderful boost for Irish tourism and for the economy generally. "The provision of a National Conference Centre for Ireland has long been a goal and aspiration of successive Governments and I am pleased to be in a position to realise it. The importance of international conferences and business tourism to Ireland and the significance of its contribution to the continuing success of this key economic sector have long been recognised. In 2006, for example, almost 300,000 overseas business visitors came to Ireland, specifically for conferences, meetings, incentive trips and trade fairs. The value of this business in terms of visitor spend was estimated at €447m. Nevertheless, with a global conference market worth up to €40 billion per year, and 870 international association conferences taking place in Europe alone, Ireland, without a dedicated National Conference Centre, has lost out on much of the available business."

According to a number of independent estimates, the National Conference Centre, when fully operational, is expected to generate additional foreign revenue earnings of between €25m and €50m per year. Furthermore, Fáilte Ireland's forecasts for 2012, which take account of the potential impact of the National Conference Centre, show promotable business (i.e. conferences, meetings, incentive trips and trade fairs) visitor numbers at 567,000, compared to 295,000 in 2006, and associated revenue at €853m, compared to the 2006 figure of €447m.

In conclusion, the Minister wished Spencer Dock Convention Centre Dublin Ltd every success in relation to the Centre and thanked the National Conference Centre Steering Group, the Project Team and advisors for their sterling work in bringing this key project to contract award.

Hilton Dublin Airport offers a full range of facilities including a function room that caters for up to 350 people, 9 purpose built Hilton meeting rooms with a business centre and meeting reception area, a Livingwell express fitness centre, and 170 bedrooms.

The hotel has 145 bedrooms and extensive conference facilities, an exhibition centre that can hold up to 1500 people and 8 meeting rooms. A fully staffed business centre is complemented by team building opportunities and an exceptional spa.

Flooded with natural light and managed by an events team, all venues feature the latest AV, WIFI and on-site technicians. The stylish and flexible meeting spaces including the Courtyard Garden and the Strand Street Art Gallery are ideally suited to receptions, product launches and cocktail parties.

An additional 48 rooms and suites, in classic contemporary style, will bring the current total to 138, and will include a stunning two-bedroom penthouse on the fourth floor.

The new Spa with six treatment rooms will offer holistic, beauty and relaxation treatments and will incorporate a Reiki Room, Meditation and Relaxation Room, Yoga Room, super-size egg-shaped Turkish Bath, and seaweed baths.

The state-of-the-art conference centre can cater for meetings from 2 to 300 delegates and has 16 meeting rooms, wireless connectivity throughout and a dedicated business centre.

Mixing business with pleasure at the Osprey Spa provides curative, invigorating, stimulating and beautifying treatments to offer you a post-meeting treat.

This 320 acre resort offers a majestic and versatile Ballroom which accommodates up to 450 delegates. The purpose-built 45 seater auditorium and the 6 splendid boardrooms provide you with the latest in high-tech equipment.

After your meeting, hit a few rounds at the 18-hole championship golf course, or unwind in the Pevonia Botanica Spa. Take the opportunity to sample home-grown and locally sourced produce in one of our 5 bars and restaurants.

Built as a Bishop’s palace, with 79 bedrooms and suites, 11 self contained apartments, and a stunning Elysium spa, this five star property is the focus of a luxury incentive programme - just published by NITB’s Business Tourism unit. The programme includes a gourmet dinner at Ballywalter House, Formula 1 racing and vintage car trips to Mount Stewart – one of the National Trust’s flagship properties.

Designed by award winning architects, ICE Bar seats 120 people and has a total capacity of 300.

By day, ICE is one of the smartest places in Dublin to gather with friends and colleagues. By night, it is arguably the most fashionable location in the capital city – a welcoming refuge of entertaining fun from the pressures of a hectic life.

“ICE Bar provides a fusion of contemporary style and our renowned levels of friendly service and attention to detail. We’ve created one of the most visually stunning interiors in this country." said Mr. John Brennan, General Manager, Four Seasons, Dublin.

In one of the largest private commissions undertaken in this country, the Four Seasons approached leading Irish artists and craftspeople to create original art and sculpture for display.

One of the tests of a great bar is its drinks list. An exhaustive cocktail list promises something for everyone. Names such as The Rassmopolitan (raspberry infused Absolut vodka, Cointreau, Cranberry, Lime Juice) and The Diva (Wyborowa Melon vodka, fresh melon and lime juice) have become part of a new language of enjoyment.

Jurys Doyle Hotel Group is constantly engaged in development to maintain prime position in the marketplace. In the past year the Group has continued its programme of Capital investment.
A total of €16 million has been invested, including a new suite of Dedicated Boardrooms at The Westbury, Jurys Ballsbridge and The Berkeley Court and extensive bedroom development and redesign at the Berkeley Court and The Towers.

Client designed and client driven, The Dedicated Boardroom brand, is the Group’s adaptation of The Dedicated Meetings Rooms concept, which is now well and truly accepted as being one of the most innovative corporate meeting’s solution in the market, for both small and medium size meetings. Each boardroom is located in luxurious five-star surroundings and features top-of-the-range communications systems, a full support network of experienced staff, ergonomic seating and full catering facilities. Both Dedicated Boardrooms and Dedicated Meeting Rooms are ideal for board meetings, seminars, training, recruitment and press conferences.

Mr Niall Geoghegan, Sales & Marketing Director, commented, ‘Jurys Doyle Hotels Group’s strategy is to continue the expansion of the corporate portfolio in the hotels and Inns in city centre locations, with the highest standards of quality right across the Group.

One unique Group Conference Desk takes bookings and enquiries for the entire portfolio of Jurys Doyle conference venues – both in Ireland, the UK and the US.

Conference Desk: Ireland (+353 1) 667 0490

Since opening its doors in 1989, Conrad Dublin has consistently offered the very best in service and style for both business and leisure travelers. Six miles from Dublin Airport, a 30 minutes taxi ride away, Conrad Dublin combines the standards and luxury expected from a fine hotel brand with the unique local charm of this city. The hotel has 192 guestrooms as well as eight new suites, all of which have been recently refurbished in a stylish contemporary feel.

Located on Earlsfort Terrace, directly opposite the National Concert Hall the hotel is a few minutes walk from St. Stephen’s Green, the very heart of Georgian Dublin. The hotel also forms part of the Earlsfort Centre, one of Dublin’s foremost business and office complexes.

The hotel has recently completed a major refurbishment of its meeting rooms as part of the hotel’s ongoing €8 million refurbishment programme. It offers an extensive range of facilities and can accommodate meetings of 10 people up to conferences for 350.

A perfect choice for meetings and seminars of up to 45 people, the three meeting rooms and Conrad Dublin’s two executive boardrooms have been remodelled to include natural light as well as the best in technology including ISDN lines and wireless Internet access. Visitors will also enjoy the feeling of additional spaciousness that has been introduced as well as the new contemporary style of the décor and furnishings. The hotel’s ballroom offers the ideal venue for larger conferences and is also fully adapted for WIFI as is the hotels’ lobby, lobby lounge, Plurabelle Restaurant, Alfie Byrnes Bar, and all first floor conference rooms.

For more information:
Sales & Marketing Department
Conrad Dublin
Earlsfort Terrace
Dublin 2
Tel: + 353 1 602 8936
Fax: + 353 1 6028972
Email: dublininfo@ConradHotels.com

Conrad Hotels, the luxury brand of the Hilton Family of Hotels, wants to make life for meeting planners a little easier. Following the success of www.ConradHotels.com, which has increased the company’s online bookings by over 300% in the last two years, Conrad launched its new website www.ConradMeetings.com. This highly advanced online tool specifically designed for meeting planners, enables them to find the most suitable meeting facilities at any Conrad hotel around the world.

Clem Barter, President of Conrad Hotels, comments: “Time is crucial to meeting planners. Online visits and bookings are increasing. Therefore we have to provide easy access and detailed information. Our luxury hotels around the world provide excellent meeting facilities and ConradMeetings.com is the best way to communicate and respond to meeting planners’ requirements. It’s easy, it’s fast. ”

Meeting planners also have the opportunity to send their delegates e-postcards with colour photographs of any Conrad hotel in advance of their meeting. A comprehensive brochure of each hotel can be downloaded in ‘pdf’ format for additional information.

Today, Jurys Doyle Hotel Group, Ireland’s largest hotel group, is a market leader in the Irish hotel sector with an established presence in international markets. It offers business and leisure customers a portfolio of 3-, 4- and 5-star hotels and inns, in prime city centre locations, in Ireland, the UK and the USA. Headquartered in Dublin, the Group currently has 30 properties, totaling almost 6,000 rooms, with over 4,000 employees and has a further 6 properties in development which will add almost 1500 bedrooms to the Group.

Properties which are key incentive hotels within the portfolio:
The Westbury Hotel (Dublin): 204 rooms 5-star; Jurys Ballsbridge & The Towers (Dublin) 410 rooms 5-star: The Berkeley Court (Dublin): 188 rooms 5-Star; The Burlington (Dublin): 506 rooms 4-star.

The Westbury: A Leading Hotel of the World, smartly set off Grafton Street in the very heart of the city, The Westbury can best be described as a truly international 5-star hotel; sophisticated, stylish and at the hub of Dublin life. Luxury, impeccable service, smart contemporary surroundings with the city at your feet.

The Berkeley Court: Luxury, tradition and charm distinguish The Berkeley Court and add a touch of eminence to everything about it. This is why this 5-star is the natural host to international dignitaries and celebrities. Located in the heart of Dublin's fashionable embassy belt, the city is just a short walk away.

Jurys Ballsbridge & The Towers:
- Jurys Ballsbridge: One of Dublin's top international business hotels, Jurys Ballsbridge is renowned for its genial charm. Luxury accommodation, excellent restaurants and bars, a superb leisure centre and all the charms of the capital close at hand. However, it's the little things that give a hotel style; a friendly smile, a thoughtful touch and it is for this that the hotel is celebrated.
- The Towers: Discreet, discerning and intimate, The Towers is a 5-star oasis of calm and delight along the lovely Georgian symmetry of Lansdowne Road. The city just outside seems remote and distant. Cool elegance is a byword here, every nuance of fabric, stone and glass carefully considered and graciously finished. The ultimate expression of excellence!

The Burlington: The Burlington is a Dublin institution, always at the heart of the action and central to the whole whirl of Dublin life. Its lively bars and restaurants and friendly open charm conspire to create an atmosphere that is hard to forget. Ireland's largest conference hotel, it is centrally located - just a 5-minute stroll to the city centre.

Jurys Doyle Conference & Incentive Facilities:
Jurys Doyle Hotels offer an extensive range of conference, event and meeting suites. Whether it's an Executive Board Meeting for 8, a gala banquet or a convention for 1500, their meeting professionals understand client requirements intuitively and ensure that every detail is realised. A range of location and hotel style combined with experienced professional personnel allows the Group to provide a customised in-house event management service with a big picture perspective on every conference, meeting or event.

Group Central Conference & Incentive Desk:
Jurys Doyle’s commitment to both the Dedicated Meetings and Dedicated Boardrooms products, seen in the large choice available of the fully modern, flexible and fully equipped rooms, is supported by one unique Group Conference & Incentive Desk, which takes bookings and inquiries for the entire portfolio of Jurys Doyle conference venues – both in Ireland and in the UK.
For quotations on any or all of the group’s properties, the Jurys Doyle
Central Conference Desk can be contacted at (UK) 0845 300 0165/ (IRL) +353 1 667 0490 or at conference@jurysdoyle.com. For further information on the Jurys Doyle Hotel Group visit www.jurysdoyle.com.

For more information:
Bob Moony
bob_moony@jurysdoyle.com
Sales Manager Groups & Incentives

Judith McQuillan
judith_mcquillan@jurysdoyle.com
Brand Manager Conference & Incentive

At the Four Seasons Hotel Dublin, with its total 15,112 square feet of meeting space, it is possible to host groups of 5 to 500 people beneath one prestigious roof. As Ireland’s largest luxury facility for both business and social events, the hotel opens up new vistas for international meeting planners.

In size and scope, the Four Seasons Hotel’s wide selection of eight meeting and banquet rooms are well equipped to accommodate business meetings, corporate events, gala banquets, private receptions and parties of varying sizes. At 5,974 square feet with a capacity to host up to 600 reception guests, the Ballroom is the largest on-site meeting room. Combining grandeur and elegance, the Ballroom facilities provide a spacious and inviting venue. Both the Ballroom and Junior Ballroom (2,497 square feet) and their pre-function foyer areas are divisible for flexibility. Three smaller meeting rooms are ideally suited for small to mid-size gatherings and have direct access to the covered colonnade overlooking the garden courtyard. A fourth meeting room, The Boardroom, provides a traditional board table meeting set up for 14 people.

Additional business facilities to support corporate groups or individuals include a Business Centre available around the clock with access to high speed Internet, Word, Excel and Powerpoint programs. The hotel has also recently introduced a Mercedes V Class shuttle service which operates complimentary transportation to and from the two principal business districts of Dublin city in Merrion Square and the International Financial Services Centre.

Four Seasons provides the latest in technology and audio-visual presentation equipment as well as telecommunications and electrical hook ups in all meeting rooms. The standard inventory offers lecterns, overhead projectors, data projectors, LCD color display panels, slide projectors and equipment necessary for rear projection and multi image dissolve programming, video recorders, players and projectors, screens, flipcharts, easels and market boards.

Conference Service Managers are on hand to assist with special arrangements to fulfil any request, including musical and entertainment arrangements to complement any part of the function or event. Dublin is the centre of a lively music scene and a great diversity of local talent is available.

Four Seasons also introduces a new level of fine banqueting to the city with creative menus, flexible facilities for theme parties and a dedicated Banquet Kitchen conveniently located between the two Ballrooms. Two restaurants, Seasons and The Café, a private dining room with seating for 12, and the Lobby Lounge with adjoining Bar and Living Room all provide diverse and attractive dining options for meeting planners and their guests.

Room	Square Feet	Classroom	Reception
	5,974	350	600
Pre Function Room	2,034	-	200
Junior Ballroom	2,497	140	230
Pre Function Room	1,184	-	80
Hibernia Room I	786	40	50
Hibernia Room II	926	40	50
Hibernia Room III	517	21	30
Boardroom	463	-	-