National Concert Hall reports record results

The National Concert Hall enjoyed its best financial return to date last year.

It enjoyed record attendances and box office sales and staged the greatest number of events since its opening 25 years ago.

The NCH staged 433 events last year and attracted attendances of 313,375 compared to 280,683 in the previous year.

The average attendance levels for events in the auditorium remained were 79 per cent, compared to 74 per cent in 2004. Net profit for the year was €231,297, also a new record.

The NCH achieved €1.76 million in income from hiring the venue, up €167,000 on budget.

Over the past five years, net profit has gone from €10,632 in 2001 to €231,297 in 2005. The number of events over the period has risen from 385 to 433, with attendances climbing from 301,192 in 2001 to 313,375 in 2005.

Speaking today, NCH chairman Dr Dermot Egan commented on the plans for the redevelopment of the Earlsfort Terrace venue and repeated the need for a more substantial facility.

Mr Egan said "the current facility has limitations, and these create challenges on many levels - in terms of the numbers and types of events that can be accommodated, the numbers of patrons, access for people with disabilities and the financial performances that can be achieved".

The NCH is marking its 25th anniversary year this year.