In 1986 the Government established the Custom House Docks Development Authority with a general duty to secure the redevelopment of the 11ha.(27 acre) Custom House Docks site. The area was one the largest blocks of prime urban land in the city to be designated for redevelopment.

In 1987 the Irish Government recognised the growth potential of the financial services sector internationally and that Ireland had the capacity to develop a strong international financial services industry. It was against this background that the Government decided to establish the International Financial Services Centre at Custom House Docks.

By the end of 1997 office accommodation of over 1.2m. sq. ft. was provided for the International Financial Services Centre. This development also included 333 apartments, hotel, multi-storey car park, retail, including pub and restaurants and the Dublin Exchange Facility. The overall IFSC area is now 15.8ha. (39 acres) with almost 2m. sq.ft. of office space, 2 hotels, 2 bars/restaurants, a large residential development, retail and creche.