Retail activity is fundamental to the success of any city. A strong retail sector stimulates spending, connects streets and plazas and provides a focus for urban communities. It has the power to create a rich, diverse urban experience in a very compact area.

In recent years, retailers and shoppers in Dublin have benefitted from several new initiatives. The Luas has increased pedestrian footfall on the city's two principal shopping streets, Henry St. and Grafton St.

Distinctive new retail experiences have developed in several areas: contemporary design in Cow's Lane in Temple Bar West, a growing number of art galleries along Francis Street and a range of ethnic shops and services on Parnell Street.

Street markets such as the farmer's market at Coppinger Row, the Design Mart at Temple Bar and the markets at Smithfield and Newmarket Square have also become very popular. These add diversity to the urban shopping experience, lending vibrancy to street activity and enlivening civic spaces.

In the years ahead, we must build on these achievements. The city centre retail experience must be broadened to compete with the growing number of suburban retail offerings. We must strengthen pedestrian connections between the north and south side of the city, and seek to increase the number of large retail units on the south side. We must also ensure that retail activity is supported by accessible public transport and a range of leisure and cultural activities.

In 2007, the Retail Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2008-2016 (RSGDA) was published. It provides guidelines on creating a vibrant, competitive retail sector for Dublin. These have been incorporated into the City Development Plan. Together with the other initiatives identified here, this priority is intended to position Dublin as the country's premier shopping destination.