The role of an Autism-Friendly City Officer for Dublin City has been announced today by Lord Mayor of Dublin James Geoghegan and AsIAm CEO Adam Harris.
The creation of this post is part of a three year Autism-Friendly Plan for Dublin City. The announcement was made as part of Inclusion and Integration Week 2024. The position will be facilitated by Dublin City Council and filled by AsIAm.
The Autism-Friendly City Officer will coordinate the activities of the Dublin City Autism-Friendly Steering Committee to support Dublin City’s goal to become the first Autism Friendly Capital City over a three year period, having achieved the AsIAm Autism-Friendly Town award. The Autism-Friendly City Plan is reflective of work that has been undertaken by Dublin City Council since 2023 to make Dublin City Autism-Friendly, which includes the Relaxed Space at the 2023 St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the creation of the Sensoria Festival, Ireland’s first neurodivergent festival. The announcement comes as Dublin prepares to host the 14th Autism Europe Congress in September 2025, which will see some 2,000 visitors to the city.
Speaking at the announcement, Lord Mayor of Dublin James Geoghegan said “I am delighted with today’s announcement which will help deliver on my key priority to make Dublin City the first neurodiverse friendly capital city in the world.
“Dublin is leading the way in pioneering a vision for an autism-friendly capital city. The announcement today will help ensure that every neurodivergent person can benefit from the changes we will implement in public transport, live events, restaurants, employment and so much more.”
He continued “this comprehensive three-year plan, which includes the development of local committees, the driving of Autism-Friendly initiatives through education, support and advice and the promotion of these initiatives to key stakeholders are all vital activities need to sustain and support Dublin’s neurodivergent Community and to make Dublin City more inclusive for all.”
Earlier this year, the previous Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste undertook a Public Consultation with AsIAm. Four Dublin First Autism-Friendly Capital City engagement sessions were held in the Mansion House with various stakeholders and members of the public representing Autistic people and those with a family member, work colleague or friend who is Autistic, employers and those with an interest. The previous Lord Mayor also hosted an Autism-Friendly Champion Informative Session to recruit a cross-section of Autism-Friendly Champions. These Champions will soon be undergoing training relevant to their organisation.
Adam Harris, Founder and CEO of AsIAm, said “We warmly welcome today’s announcement by Dublin City Council and are excited to continue to build on the significant progress made over the past year in Dublin’s quest to become an Autism-Friendly Capital City. We look forward to supporting Dublin City in publishing its ambitious 3 year Autism-Friendly City Plan and in the recruitment of 60 businesses, public services and community and voluntary groups who will undertake training and put in place accessibility measures as Autism-Friendly Champions. Critically this work will now extend also to supporting local communities within Dublin in pursuing Autism-Friendly designation for their village or area. Working together we can break down barriers so autistic people have the same chance to live, work and play in our capital city.”
At least 1 in 27 people in Dublin are autistic and nearly 300,000 people have an immediate family member on the autism spectrum.