METRO Wednesday, November 4, 2009 D Dublin Eye plans given go ahead WORK is expected to begin on Dublins answer to the London Eye in February. Businessman Harry Crosbies Point Village Company Ltd has been granted a four-year permission for the 8million observation wheel at the O2 arena. The 60m wheel will offer visitors stunning views of the capital from a height akin to Liberty Hall and just under half as tall as the London Eye. Mr Crosbies attraction will consist of 42 glass-sided observation gondolas suspended from the observation wheel. The Dublin Docklands Development Authority has now suspended its plans for an observation wheel at Georges Dock or Custom House Quay, less than 1km from the Crosbie wheel. By COLM KELPIE Classic ballet to raise curtain at new theatre THE curtain will lift on Dublins newest theatre next year with one of the best-known ballets, it was an- nounced yesterday. The Grand Canal Theatre will open next March, wooing audiences with Tchaikovskys classic Swan Lake by the famous Russian State Ballet. It is the first of more than 30 pro- ductions lined up for the 2,100-seater Docklands theatre. The performance, which runs from March 18 to 21, will feature 70 danc- ers and a full symphony orchestra. Harry Crosbie, Grand Canal Thea- tre owner, said the auditorium will at- tract world-class performances to ri- val international venues. The capacity of the venue means that we will be able to ensure that the people of Ireland will be able to see world-class productions at a reasona- ble ticket price and without the added expense of a trip to London or New York, Mr Crosbie said. Grand Canal Theatre was designed by world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, whose plans were chosen for the redesign of the World Trade Center site in New York in 2003. Grand Canal Theatre: An artists concept of the theatre, expected to open in March 2010 Picture: PA Big wheel: An artists impression index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html