Dublin City centre’s best days ahead, says business group

Dublin City centre’s best days lie ahead, following Government acceptance of the report of the City Centre Task Force, it has been claimed.

Dublin Town CEO, Richard Guiney, who represented city businesses on the Task Force, said a road map to a better city is now part of Government policy.

Dublin Town represents the interests of 2,500 business members in the city centre.

“The Government has re-affirmed its commitment to a brighter and better future for the city and its citizens,” Mr Guiney said.

“This is an exciting time for Dublin City Centre, its best days lie ahead.

“The recommendations of the Task Force report should be now implemented as soon as possible.

“The report is a deliverable blueprint for the rejuvenation of the city centre.

“Both recurring issues and untapped potential are addressed.”

Dublin Town called for the establishment of a task force to realise the city’s potential in December 2023, following the publication of its own four point plan to rejuvenate the city.

“Many of the flagship themes of our four point plan incorporated into this broader, more comprehensive report.

“We are confident implementation of the Taskforce report will result in a new and prosperous era for our city.

“Dublin, like many major cities throughout the world, has been majorly challenged, post pandemic.

“Shifts in work patterns, changes in consumer choices and complex social needs have all put strains on existing infrastructure.

“Now is the time to put in place a new vision and the means to achieve it.”

Mr Guiney said ongoing research by the business body confirmed a low mood amongst Dublin residents as to the state of their city.

“They are saddened the city is struggling.  They want to see that the political will exists, across all parties, to comprehensively address their concerns.

“But Dubliners still fundamentally love Dublin and wish to take pride in it.

“The public mood is mirrored by the business community.”

Mr Guiney said he was confident the business community and city centre residents will back rejuvenation once they see progress.

“This is a pivotal moment for Dublin, with its future at stake.  It is time to realise our shared ambition by promptly co-ordinating the efforts of all stakeholders.

“The report offers a chance for Dublin to move forward at a challenging time, but this requires goodwill across the board.

“Dublin Town will work assiduously to play its part on behalf of city businesses.

“It is in the entire country’s economic interest for Dublin to regain forward momentum.

“Now we have a generational opportunity to accelerate the city’s progress.

“We must grasp this chance and reclaim the city so many of us are so proud of.”