Business group says it will maintain government pressure on rejuvenation of Dublin City Centre 

The incoming Government will be held to its commitments to Dublin City Centre in the Programme for Government, a leading business group has warned. 

Welcoming the document’s commitment to transforming the district through implementation of the Dublin City Centre Taskforce Plan, launched last year, Dublin Town said it would maintain engagement with Government to ensure the programme’s promises are kept. 

Dublin Town CEO, Richard Guiney, said the organisation, representing 2,500 members, saw the pledges as critical to the city centre having a meaningful future.   

He added that Dublin Town believes a Special Purpose Vehicle should be established, with an independent chair, to ensure the full and timely implementation of the report’s 10 key proposals. 

Programme for Government actions for Dublin City Centre include more Gardaí and additional security measures, the designation of O’Connell Street as an Urban Development Zone, to fast track mixed use development, and a revamp for the GPO. 

Further pledges include tackling dereliction and vacancy, and consideration of appropriate concentration of services, including the more beneficial distribution of temporary accommodation and drug treatment facilities. 

It also commits to ensure that on-street charitable services are properly regulated, and development of the night-time economy. 

“Implementation of Programme for Government commitments should ensure Dublin City Centre regains momentum,” said Mr Guiney. 

“Dublin Town believes the decline of the City Centre can be systematically reversed, strengthening business and visitor confidence, and increasing engagement. 

“The commitments contained in the Programme for Government are a vital step along the road in the rejuvenation of Dublin City Centre, but they must be implemented.   

“All the key stakeholders must work together and Dublin Town, as a member of the Dublin City Centre Taskforce, looks forward to playing its part.”