The move took place just over half way through the Docklands Master Plan, which is due to culminate in 2012.The last nine years have seen huge changes on both sides of the River Liffey, with the area being transformed into a attractive and vibrant place in which to live and work.

The Docklands Authority has made the move after eight years based on the north quays. The previous offices were in a temporary structure, which is set to be demolished later this year. This will complete the quayside development on the north quays, creating a riverside walking trail from Custom House Quay to the Point Depot.

Lar Bradshaw, Chairman of the Docklands Authority, said that the office move coincides with many exciting developments taking place on both sides of the river. “While the last nine years of the Docklands project have seen huge changes in the area, it’s only going to get busier and better as some of the most exciting architectural projects are yet to come,” said Lar Bradshaw.

By the time it is completed in 2012, the Docklands project will have resulted in an increase in the area’s population from 25,000 to 42,500, the construction of 11,000 new homes and the creation of 40,000 new jobs.

Speaking at the new offices, An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern said, “I have taken a keen interest in both the Docklands and the IFSC since their beginnings in the late 1980s. I continue to follow the important work being carried out by the Authority in the regeneration and redevelopment of this area of some 1,300 acres of what was once rundown, neglected and isolated land.”

Mr Ahern went on to acknowledge the vision of Ruairí Quinn, who was responsible for introducing the legislation which made possible the regeneration of the Docklands.

The Docklands Authority joins numerous well-known businesses in the Grand Canal Dock area, many of which have already moved in, including O2, the Irish Taxation Institute, Dorville Homes along with several law firms including Beauchamp’s, McCannFitzgerald, Dillon Eustace and Matheson Ormsby Prentice.

Interest in the Docklands amongst residential property buyers and tenants has also been strong. Over 350 properties have been purchased at Gallery Quay and HQ and the initial phases in Forbes Quay and Longboat Quay have all sold out, with the first residents due to move in this summer.

Photo, from left: Lar Bradshaw, Chairman DDDA, Betty Ashe, Dolores Wilson, Paul Moloney, Chief Executive DDDA, Frances Corr.