NATIONAL CONCERT HALL

The NCH tripled its profits last year as more than 340,000 people attended 700 events at the Dublin city centre venue, according to The Sunday Business Post.

The venue had record box-office sales of €8.23m in 2009 and made a pre-tax profit of €557,000 – an increase from €186,000 in 2008. The NCH now has accumulated profits of €1.7m and the directors said plans for significant expansion were continuing despite the downturn.

The plan involves building a new 2,000-seat auditorium, upgrading the existing 1,000-seat venue and the creation of the third hall with 450 seats. The selection of a preferred contractor for the €100m redevelopment is due to take place sometime later this year.