I remember reading about Cowen mentioning about a town in Offaly to become the Chinese trading hub of Europe. Just this morning, I came across this article (The Westmeath Independent), and the early plans are huge! Of course, there are other countries to be considered as well, not just Ireland.
[...] the preliminary plans include a Chinese Palace, two five-star hotels, apartments, a six-hole golf course, a railway station, two bus stations, a medical centre and a fire-fighting centre.