€20m plan for ferry terminal

A €20 million investment will lead to the creation of 1,000 new jobs at the former Dún Laoghaire ferry terminal, it was announced last week.

The ferry terminal at St Michael’s Pier is set to be transformed into a unique new hub for tech, marine and design businesses under an ambitious new plan.

Subject to planning permission, the Harbour Innovation Campus will house a state-of-the-art shared space for local and international companies and will directly inject in the region of €20 million into the building and local economy over the next 10 years.

At 75,000 square feet, the campus will be the largest innovation hub in Ireland and one of the top five in Europe, housing up to 1,000 members across the former arrivals hall, departure lounge, baggage hall and ticket office buildings. 

Externally, the landmark building will remain unchanged but its interior will be repurposed as an innovation campus. If granted planning permission by Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, it is due to be operational by mid-2018.

The creation of 1,000 jobs at the campus is expected to breathe new life into the Dún Laoghaire economy. Research shows that the average employee spends at least €100 per week in the vicinity of their workplace which could result in a monthly windfall of €400,000 for local businesses. In addition, it is estimated that the Harbour Innovation Campus will lead to a significant increase in employment in local restaurants, shops, bars and cafés.  

Dublin businessman Phillip Gannon, along with shareholder and tech entrepreneur Ian Lucey, hopes to attract a diversity of businesses to the venture. Mr Gannon said that Dún Laoghaire was an ideal location for attracting talent from home and overseas.

“This unique space presents a great opportunity to boost not only Dún Laoghaire and the surrounding areas, but the country as a whole,” he stated.

A lease agreement for the terminal has been entered into with Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company.