TAOISEACH ENDA KENNY had the good sense to avert his eyes as an exotic dancer weaved her way around ribbons (not a pole) at the opening of Google’s Foundry in Dublin’s ‘silicon docks’ today.

The dancer entertained guests after the official opening ceremony during which photographers- professional and amateurs alike – tried to catch the Taoiseach’s reaction to the exotic routine above the staircase. But many of the amateurs who were recording the moment with their smartphones failed to catch the Taoiseach’s response.

Google intends to host no fewer than 80 events between now and the end of the year at the showcase building. The Foundry is Google’s Digital Innovation Centre and will attract an estimated 5,000 business visitors from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) throughout the remainder of 2013.

The centre is the first of its kind for Google in Europe and was created at a cost of €5.5 million. It aims to be a big tourist earner, with a projected 15,000 visitors expected annually – mainly from large corporate clients, advertising agencies and others who do business with the Internet giant.

Google being Google, the building wants to be seen as ultra cool. Guests at the opening ceremony had the chance to roam around and get up and close with existing and upcoming Google products, like Google Glass.

The visitors’ shop also drew attention where among other products visitors can buy yellow leather satchels, babies’ bibs, neon lights , spaghetti forks and, of course, the obligatory branded tshirts and hats.

John Herlihy head of Google Ireland said that the Foundry would put “Dublin at the centre of the digital map” across EMEA markets.  He said that it was good news for local suppliers. Ten years ago when Google established its office in Dublin a small company supplied sandwiches. That same company is now employing 100 people who feed the 2,500 “Googlers” who work in Dublin, he added.