The Euro27m four-star CityNorth Hotel which opened its doors to the public last month is located at the edge of the 100-acre business park, just off the Julianstown exit on the M1.

The hotel, which is managed by the Tullamore Court Group, comprises 128 deluxe bedrooms - all with air-conditioning - 12 conference rooms and two banqueting suites capable of accommodating 500 people.

"Certainly we regard our location, maybe not initially, but definitely when the business park is up and running, as a major advantage, " says hotel general manager Aogan Dunne. "As the development progresses, and then when it's fully established, we hope to cater for conferences and meetings organised by business people operating in the park."

Dunne is keen to emphasise the hotel's accessibility which he hopes will be a contributing factor to the longterm success of the project.

"We're close to the M1 and the M50. We're 15 minutes from the airport and the same distance from the city centre in the opposite direction."

With 12 years experience in the hospitality industry behind him, the last three of those as general manager of the Hillgrove Hotel in Monaghan, Dunne is confident of making a success of the venture. "The Hillgrove went through a huge amount of redevelopment during my time there, and I'm bringing that experience with me. As well as that, we have the backing of the Tullamore Court, a hotel which has established a reputation for excellence in the midlands region. We aim to tap in to that experience and then to mirror the style and success of our sister hotel."

The CityNorth was designed by Henry J Lyons and Partners, architects of the Westin Hotel in Dublin city centre and the Radisson SAS in Galway. It was built by the Sammon Group, specialists in construction for the licensed trade and hospitality sector. When fully operational it will employ upwards of 200 staff.

Aogan Dunne is confident the hotel will soon establish a reputation for excellence.

"Obviously we have to win the confidence of our customers. But we expect the CityNorth will very quickly enjoy high bedroom occupancy levels and a busy event and food and beverage business."

Meanwhile, a number of second-phase units in the adjacent Euro250m CityNorth industrial complex have gone on sale. The 12 units in phase one, each measuring 376sq ft, have all been sold and will be available for occupation.

Developers McGarrell Reilly say the bespoke units incorporate leading technology and infrastructure as well as meeting the highest possible standards of design and construction. Units are available to rent from approximately Euro12 per sq ft, and for purchase from Euro175 per sq ft, depending on particular specifications.

"As well as providing units in different sizes we're offering a design and build option to cater for the specific requirements of individual clients, " says Sarah McCarthy of agents Kelly Walsh. "Later on, the intention is to provide own-door office accommodation along with motor showrooms and a crèche."

The plan is to appoint a professional management company with a mandate to maintain both the day-to-day and long-term quality of the development on behalf of the occupiers. All owners/occupiers will be nominated as members of the management company.

"Eventually, we'd like to get a number of multinational companies as anchors for the larger units we're planning, " McCarthy says. "Generally they would be expected to fall in at a latter stage, when people see CityNorth is up and running."