The Dublin Docklands Development Authority has described as "premature speculation", media reports that it is to join up with CIE, developer Mr Harry Crosbie and Treasury Holdings to develop a 40-acre site at Spencer Dock.

The centre, according to the reports, would host the National Conference Centre, a science park, offices and would cost £500 million to build.

"No negotiations have commenced with any statutory body regarding any development projects in the docks area and therefore it is premature to speculate about any particular site," said a statement.

A spokesman added that negotiations are only now beginning with landowners in the area.