€5bn invested in Docklands over last ten years

Over €5bn has been invested in the Docklands area by the public and private sector since the establishment of the Docklands Authority in 1997 - with a further €5bn to be spent on infrastructure and social regeneration projects in the Docklands by 2012, according to Mr Lar Bradshaw, Chairman of the Docklands Authority.

Mr Bradshaw was speaking at the publication of the Docklands Authority's Annual Report and Accounts 2006, which he presented to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr Dick Roche, TD.

Mr Bradshaw stated that the ten years since the Docklands Authority was set-up, have seen incredible changes in the physical and social make-up of the Docklands. "What was a Master Plan in 1997, is now well on its way to completion. This has been due, in part, to the substantial financial investment in the area by the Authority, other public bodies and the private sector. With a further €5bn to be invested over the next five years, the Docklands will soon be a world-class city quarter" - said Mr Bradshaw.

The main highlights of the Docklands projects on the planning and development side in 2006 included -

* Construction began on the €800m Point Village retail development. Its signature building - the 100 metre Watchtower - was given planning approval in early 2007.

* The granting of planning approval for the 100-metres-tall U2 Tower. The Authority expects to appoint a world-class development team to design, construct and finance the U2 Tower and Britain Quay development in 2007, with construction commencing in 2008.

* The construction of Grand Canal Square - a major new public space in the Docklands - got under way in 2006. The stunning square is due to be officially opened in June.

* Confirmation that Spencer Dock will be the venue for the €400m National Conference Centre.

There was also considerable progress made in the area of transport and infrastructure, with the opening of the Port Tunnel and the construction of a new rail station for the Docklands, which opened in March 2007.

In addition, the extension of the Luas Red Line to the Point Depot gained Ministerial approval, while plans for the Samuel Beckett Bridge (Macken Street to Guild Street) and the Dodder Bridge were also advanced during the year.