The company which operates the Convention Centre on Dublin’s north quays enjoyed a doubling of operating profits in 2015 to €5m and a 160% increase in turnover to €23m.

The Centre hosted 164 events last year attracting close to 385,000 guests and its chief executive, Nick Waight, says the current year will see further growth.

"This year will show a further revenue increase or around 5% and the pipeline of business in 2017 also looks good," he commented.

"The Convention Centre is not simply a business, but a strategic national asset and we are pleased, therefore, that not only have we increased our profit but we have continued to increase the economic benefits to Ireland," Mr Waight continued.

Spencer Dock Convention Centre Dublin was acquired last year by an investment fund backed by the Irish Infrastructure Fund, a fund backed by the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (former National Pension Reserve) 

The building itself is owned by the taxpayer through the OPW.