Dublin city is set to benefit to the tune of 60 million euro as 250,000 music fans soak up the atmosphere at this weekend's U2 concerts.

'With all the fans around the country and from abroad travelling to catch U2 play their home town, the Dublin Chamber of Commerce estimates that the economic benefit to the Dublin economy will be in the order of 60 million euro for the weekend concerts.' said Aebhric Mc Gibney, Director of Policy, Dublin Chamber of Commerce.

Frank McGee, head of Dublin Tourism, confirmed the record weekend for the city. 'For the first time in some years Dublin hotels are fully booked out this weekend. From a tourism viewpoint the publicity generated by U2 playing in their own town is phenomenal. It's not as big as a Papal visit but it's the next biggest thing.'

Croke Park, said Stadium Manager Peter McKennna, is one of the world's great amphitheatres and a fitting venue for one of the world's great rock bands. 'This is like having three All Ireland Final weekends in the space of four days.'

'In the bleak eighties these four Dubliners raised the profile of this city among rock fans all over the world,' added Dublin City Manager John Fitzgerald. 'For the first time ever Dublin became synonymous with music, entertainment and fun attracting thousands of new visitors to the City.
This band has contributed to Dublin's newfound pride and self-confidence.'

'The U2 concerts have created a great buzz around the Airport with fans coming through from many European countries carrying their flags and banners. It's busy right through the summer out here, but we reckon a couple of thousand additional passengers are coming through for the concerts and that's a welcome boost. Best of luck to all concerned.' said Vincent Wall of Dublin Airport Authority

U2 Manager Paul McGuiness is delighted to be in Dublin. 'It's great that our home town has made us so welcome and we would like to thank all the agencies and organisations that have made this possible; Aer Rianta, the Gardai and the Dublin Corporation.'