DublinTown, the group representing businesses in Dublin city centre's Business Improvement District (BID), has launched its renewal proposal and a five-year plan to improve commercial life in the city.
The organisation, which advocates on behalf of the area stretching from Parnell Street to St Stephen's Green, is seeking its fourth five-year electoral from Dublin's business community, with a renewal vote expected to take place in April.
The objectives outlined in the 186-page strategic plan for 2023-27 include being a proactive and constructive voice on major issues facing the city such as climate change, encouraging people to return to the city post-Covid, and supporting beneficial redevelopments.
"Our plan includes providing more essential services for the benefit of the business community and their customers," Richard Guiney, chief executive of DublinTown, said.
"If renewed we make significant investments in next-generation Christmas lights, will represent member interests with external stakeholders, will fully restore our street cleaning services and will re-establish our training and advice for businesses.
In Association with
"DublinTown advocates for the city driving and adapting to change, rather than resisting it. In doing this, we will seek to bring key stakeholders together and advocate for all parts of our city working in harmony, from institutions to national and local government, to businesses and community groups. We are all stakeholders in Dublin’s future and we must all be committed to working hard together for the benefit of all.
Commenting on the launch of the plan, Cól Campbell, owner of Bewley’s Café Grafton Street and DublinTown Chairman, said: "The pandemic period has been incredibly disruptive and difficult for our members.
"During this time DublinTown has rapidly adapted and responded to the shifting landscape to meet the needs of its members. As we look forward to the next five years, our focus is on repairing the damage done to our city centre by the pandemic and giving businesses a strong voice on the future direction of the city."
As Dublin city centre's business improvement district, DublinTown's role is to improve business within the core city centre by increasing footfall and market share through initiatives aimed at making the city more attractive for shopping, socialising, living and working.
Pre-pandemic, the business improvement district was home to 2,500 consumer-facing businesses. Guiney and Campbell were joined by board members Eva Pau, Zoe Hertelendi and Sam Donnolly when handing in the document at Dublin City Hall.
DublinTown last month welcomed the planned opening of the first LEGO Store in Dublin this summer.
Photo: DublinTown representatives submitting its five-year plan to Dublin City Hall.
