Digital cinema set for Dundalk
200 jobs to be created during construction
The bigger picture...Ozzie Spurling (left), joint owner of Spurling Cinema Group and Hugh Quinn, Property Manager of Finnabair Estates holding plans for a proposed fully digital cinema in Dundalk, located adjacent to the Ice Dome at Marshes Upper,...
Up to 200 construction jobs could be created with the building of a new cinema after a developer said he would insist builders use Dundalk sub contractors.
Finnabair Estates boss, Laurence Breen, told the Argus that he would give a 'personal commitment' that he would insist the contractor appointed to build a new digital cinema at the Dundalk Retail Park would use local sub contractors.
Dundalk will be one of the first towns in Ireland to have a fully digital cinema after planning permission was granted for a € 12 million, ten screen cinema at Marshes Upper, Inner Relief Road in conjunction with Movies @ Dundalk Ltd.
The new 1,800 seat haven for film fanatics will be at the forefront of new technology, offering all films in digital format with a 'ticketless' purchasing system to provide the ultimate cinema experience.
It is expected to open early next year.
Finnabair Estates property manager, Hugh Quinn, said: 'Not only will it greatly enhance the town's fantastic leisure and retail offering as the only film venue in the region to offer a 100% digital format, the development of this project will provide a much needed jobs boost to the Dundalk'.
Mr Breen said: 'Finnabair Estates is committed, where at all possible, to allocate jobs to local people within the town'.
The 'Movies @...' group will operate the cinema, which will be called 'Movies @ Dundalk'.
The group is already replacing analogue projectors with the latest technology at its other cinemas, Movies @ Swords and Movies @ Dundrum.
Cinema operator, Ossie Spurling, said: ' The improved picture quality, in addition to digital sound, will create an outstanding movie experience which cannot be surpassed and Dundalk patrons will be the first in the area to view films in this exciting new format'.
Located adjacent to the Ice Dome, the new cinema will offer approximately 600 free car parking spaces.
The 4,000sqm film venue will also incorporate a VIP screen, VIP cafe and a 5,000 sq ft concessions area.
Dundalk Chamber chief, Bill Tosh, said: 'Not only will it provide a high quality digital facility which will enhance the town's position as a regional centre in providing first class leisure amenities, it will also create a significant amount of jobs which is crucial within the current economic environment'.
- Anne Campbell
