Revitalising the City's Economy
Like the rest of the world, Dublin has recently experienced the effects of the global economic downturn. As we plan for the future, revitalising Dublin's economy is critical for the long-term success of the city and the quality of life and prosperity of its citizens.
For most of the last decade, the city experienced strong economic growth. Employment increased and the knowledge economy emerged. These factors saw the Dublin office market double in size. Significant investment was also made in tourist infrastructure, leading visitor numbers to almost double between 1998 and 2008.
To combat the current downturn, a range of actions are being taken. The four Dublin local authorities - Dublin City, Fingal, South County Dublin and Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown - recently prepared a joint Economic Development Action Plan. It identifies three new economic corridors for the Dublin City Region and promotes sustainable development as a critical factor in economic development, employment growth and prosperity. The new Dublin City Development Plan will encourage innovation and investment along these corridors.
Individual initiatives are also helping. In September 2010 the National Convention Centre will open, giving a further boost to tourism. The new 'Lord Mayor of Dublin International Scholarships' will create closer international links with the city and attract many top international students to Dublin.
In the years ahead we must develop Dublin as an 'Innovation City', promoting creativity and entrepreneurial activity. We must also develop economic, cultural and institutional clusters within the city centre to optimise its economic potential. And we must provide appropriate workplaces for the new knowledge and services economy.
The Revitalising the city's economy priority contains many specific policies and objectives to guide the development of Dublin.
Policies include: |
Objectives include: |
RE2:To promote and enhance the role of Dublin as the national economic engine and driver of economic recovery and growth |
REO1:To implement the policies and action set out in Economic Development Action Plan for the Dublin City Region |
RE11:To promote and facilitate the use, including the temporary use, of vacant commercial space and vacant sites, for a wide range of enterprise including cultural uses |
REO6:To work with the Creative Dublin Alliance to identify the challenges and opportunities that enhance the innovation potential of the city |
RE15:To promote and facilitate economic development and clustering along the Southern, Metro North and Naas Road / Rail Economic Corridors |
REO11:To assess the potential of the Parnell Street and other areas for the creation and the promotion of ethnic retail and restaurant clusters |
RE22:To facilitate home based economic activities and pooled work centres where, by virtue of their nature and scale, they can be accommodated without detriment to the amenities of residential areas |
REO14:To examine the feasibility of a cruise terminal in the Poolbeg area and Dublin Port, including a review of the current disembarking point and its connectivity with the city and the development of tour options for visitors within the city and set out recommendations |