Skip to main content

Get to know
Our Story

Our History

DublinTown is a Business Improvement District (BID) representing around 2,500 businesses across more than 100 streets in Dublin city centre. DublinTown was established following legislation in 2006 and a vote by the business community, with operations beginning in 2008. Since then, the organisation has been renewed by member vote in 2012, 2017 and most recently in 2022, continuing to support and promote a vibrant, successful city centre.

Our Role

Our role is shaped by member feedback and ongoing research, helping us focus on what matters most as the way people use the city continues to evolve. We work to improve the appeal of the city centre as a place to shop, work and spend time by supporting footfall, enhancing the public realm, and helping businesses succeed collectively.

As the organisation behind DublinTown.ie, we deliver city-wide initiatives and events that promote Dublin as a vibrant destination and encourage people to return.

Meet the Team

Richard Guiney

Chief Executive Officer

Cathy O’Donnell

Head of HR and Office Management

Gerard Farrell

Operations Director

Ellen Maher

Finance Manager

Ann Marie McDonough

Accounts Administrator

Lilia Lalaoui

Acting Head of Marketing

Tadhg McInerney

Social Media & Marketing Executive

Eoin Guiney

Junior Marketing Executive

Lauren Hanlon

Sustainability Officer

Fran Crowther

Senior Member Liaison Officer

Mark Hennessy

Member Liaison Officer

Francis Treacy

Member Liaison Officer

Cristian Pastor

Cleaning Crew Supervisor

Vadim Ruai

General Operative (Graffiti Removal & Floral Planting)

Emmanuel Ngaba

General Operative (Graffiti Removal & Floral Planting)

The Team behind DublinTown

Meet the Board

Billy Reid

General Manager at Ilac Shopping Centre

Ross McMahon

Registrar of the Faculty of Notaries Public in Ireland

Eva Pau

Managing Director at Asia Market and TV Host

Karl Mitchell

Executive Manager City Co-Ordination Office

Derek Mc Donnell

Director at Jervis Shopping Centre

Sam Donnelly

Owner of Sam’s Barbers

Peter Hyland

Group CEO at Carrolls Irish Gifts

Vincent O’Gorman

General Manager at The Westbury Hotel

Sarah Coyle

Senior Asset Manager at Irish Life

Piers Cunningham

Store Manager at Penney's O’Connell Street

Pat Burke

Chief Executive at Mercantile Group

Jennifer Mulholland (Bannon)

Director of Retail at Bannon

Patrick Coughlan

Managing Director at Designer Exchange

Katie Cantwell

Managing Director at KC Peaches

Hugh Hourrican

Owner of The Boar’s Head

Alma Hanley

General Manager at Brown Thomas and Arnotts

Ray Mc Adam

City Councillor

John Bergin

Director at SkyTours Travel

Hazel Chu

City Councillor and Green Party Deputy Leader

How are we funded?

  • 1We were set up as a Business Improvement District (BID) by a vote of the city’s business community.
  • 2This was done in accordance with the Local Government Act (Business Improvement Districts Act) 2006.
  • 3There are Business Improvment Districts in towns around Ireland, including Sligo, Dundalk, Drogheda and Sandyford.
  • 4Member businesses fund the operations of DublinTown by a levy of an additional 4.67% in addition to their rates bill.

Differences from the Dublin Council

  • Not-for-profit and Independent

    Dublin Town is a not-for-profit, business-led organisation representing city centre businesses. We are not part of Dublin City Council.

  • Focused on Additional Services

    Everything we do is in addition to services provided by Dublin City Council & other statutory bodies.

  • Commercial Focus

    Our work is focused on the commercial realities facing businesses. We help with day-to-day needs of the businesses located within the district.

  • Board & Employees

    DublinTown was set up by businesses, and run by businesses with a board elected by members at AGM. DublinTown is a private company Limited by Guarantee.

The Dublin BID Area

You are already enrolled as a member of We Are DublinTown if your business falls under this area.

OUR PRESENCE

Making a Difference

Dublin Town focuses on practical action that supports businesses and improves the city centre. Our work is visible on the ground and delivered in partnership with those who operate here every day.

  • On-the-ground Support

    Providing reactive cleaning, graffiti removal, and support where issues arise.

  • Supporting a Safer City Centre

    Working with partners to support safety initiatives and crime prevention for businesses and staff.

  • Representing Business Needs

    Acting as a collective voice for city centre businesses in discussions with public bodies and stakeholders.

  • Marketing the City & Businesses

    Promoting your business through online content, festivals and various events.

Proof of Impact

CONTACT US

Need to Know More?

Learn more about who we are, what we do, and how we support businesses across the city through our work and initiatives.