The Dublin Docklands Development Authority is finally to push ahead with its first office development at Grand Canal Dock in Ringsend. The area on the south side of the Liffey has been targeted for a £1.5 billion regeneration scheme.

The authority is inviting companies with an international reputation to tender for a high-profile office site which will be an anchor for the redevelopment of the area. The block will be located at the corner of Cardiff Lane and Sir John Rogerson's Quay and, according to the conditions of the sale, will have to be between 107,000 sq ft and 236,000 sq ft.

Several international companies unable to find office space in Dublin city centre are likely to pitch for the land, which is on the opposite side of the Liffey to the International Financial Services Centre. The size of the site will depend on the scale of the office scheme, which is likely to be up to seven storeys high.

Developers will be required, in addition to a financial offer, to submit outline drawings for a building of significant architectural merit in keeping with the prominent location of the site. The Grand Canal Dock area covers about 74 acres and when completed will have 1,200 new homes, 5,000 jobs and more than one million square feet of offices, shops, restaurants, pubs, hotels and leisure facilities.

The Grand Canal Dock Action Area Plan outlines the framework for redevelopment of the area and envisages a mainly residential development with 40 per cent of the area for commercial use. Building heights should respect the city's traditional core, while identifying locations for landmark buildings.

Grand Canal Harbour is earmarked as a world-class city quarter with homes, offices and leisure integrated in a way that has not been achieved in Dublin in recent years. The residential element will incorporate 20 per cent social and affordable housing.