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An initiative of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Contents
Minister’s Foreword … 3
Chair’s Introduction … 4
Dublin Highlights … 6
Smart Specialisation … 7
Strategic Objective 1: Strengthen resilience and the potential for scaling amongst Dublin’s SMEs and Start-Ups … 10
Strategic Objective 2: Promote context specific, attractive, and adaptive placemaking for an evolving world of work and diverse lifestyles, enabling resilience, business recovery and new opportunities for Dublin … 13
Strategic Objective 3: Facilitate every individual to realise their full potential through engagement in economic activity … 19
Strategic Objective 4: Enable and position business as leaders in Dublin’s low carbon transition … 22
Strategic Objective 5: Ensure the availability of skills and talent to realise Dublin’s future economic potential … 25
Strategic Objective 6: Strengthen Dublin’s Ecosystem … 28
Action Status Table by Strategic Objective … 29
Minister’s Foreword
I am pleased to present this Progress Report on the implementation of the Dublin Regional Enterprise Plan, an initiative launched in 2022 to drive economic dynamism, support innovation, and elevate the overall prosperity of the Dublin region.
Dublin, as our capital city, embodies a unique blend of historical significance, cultural diversity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Since the start of the Plan, attention has been on leveraging the distinct attributes of the county, ensuring not only its own economic development but also its pivotal role providing the economic heartbeat of Ireland.
Strategic sectors of focus, including ICT, Biopharma/Life Sciences, Engineering, Financial Services/FinTech and Audiovisual, have been at the forefront of the approach. The Plan endeavours to bolster the competitiveness of Dublin by driving innovation and creating sustainable employment opportunities throughout the region.
Innovation is central to this vision; the Plan aims to foster a culture of creativity and entrepreneurship, an environment that actively supports research and development and to nurture emerging industries to solidify Dublin’s position as a hub for cutting-edge advancements.
The dynamic partnership between government agencies, local authorities, businesses, educational institutions, and others has been instrumental in overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities. Dublin, with its diverse and forward-thinking stakeholders, has embraced a collective approach, pooling collective learning, knowledge and resources to address regional challenges, ensuring that economic progress is sustainable.
To assist with the implementation of Regional Enterprise Plans, my department has secured up to €145 million in funding for the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme, co-funded under the European Regional Development Fund, which will support projects aligned to the Regional Enterprise Plans. The first call of €35 million was announced in October 2023 with subsequent calls in the coming years.
As we reflect on the achievements outlined in this report, it is evident that Dublin continues to be a thriving hub of economic vibrancy, innovation, and sustainability. Challenges persist, but the progress made so far is a testament to the resilience, innovation, and spirit of Dublin.
Finally, I extend my sincere appreciation to Chair Susan Spence, Programme Manager Caroline Power, the regional Steering Committee, and all stakeholders who have played such a vital role in progressing implementation of the Dublin Regional Enterprise Plan.
Neale Richmond TD
Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail
Chair’s Introduction
I welcome the publication of the mid-term progress report of the Dublin Regional Enterprise Plan to 2024 and I sincerely thank all the stakeholders who continue to collaborate and progress the actions.
The Dublin Regional Enterprise Plan to 2024 is an excellent exemplar of how organisations are engaging and working collaboratively to deliver practical actions within the Plan, whilst fostering a strong recovery and resilient region post pandemic.
I would like to highlight some key action outcomes delivered and progressed to date.
The research review of enterprise hub provision in Dublin is complete, with the identification of potential supports required by hubs. This evidence-based data informs the review of the Local Economic Community Plans (LECPs) for the next six years, a statutory requirement and framework for the local authorities in building a prosperous economy and inclusive connected local communities.
The Dublin place brand is important to promote Dublin’s attractiveness as a place to live, work, invest and study for both the domestic and international economy. The Dublin Place Race Conference held in June 2023 was the first of its kind in Ireland supporting place professionals working in placemaking, marketing, and economic development. The Always Dublin brand campaign is a highly successful visual caption in demonstrating the positive impact of the Dublin region. It is vital for the Dublin region to continue progress on its work to develop a strong brand for the region, for its European and international positioning and competitiveness.
Dublin City Council in conjunction with The Rediscovery Centre held the Circular Economy Hotspot Dublin 2023. The event celebrated businesses working positively on climate challenges. It presented an opportunity to learn, connect and inspire initiatives aimed at accelerating the transition to a circular economy as well as promoting sustainable development.
The digital transition continues with the roll-out of digital technologies of technology providers and academia to transform public service, improve and support business technologies and improve digital skills, business operations and enhanced connectivity.
Within the Plan, stakeholders continue SME training supports and programmes enhancing the skills and capabilities of the workforce. This action is focused on meeting the demands of emerging industries to grow the skills landscape for economic growth.
We are committed to progressing proposals on strengthening Dublin’s ecosystem through smart innovative initiatives, through the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme and develop a more sustainable and balanced region to enhance future economic growth.
Finally, I wish to thank the following organisations who are contributing to the success of this plan: Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Dublin City, Dún Laoghaire
Rathdown, Fingal and South Dublin County Councils, Enterprise Ireland, TU Dublin, Ibec, Fáilte Ireland, SMART Dublin, Dublin City University, Tangent TCD, Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, Dublin Chamber, Dublin Skills Fora, Guinness Enterprise Centre, Department of Community and Rural Development, Social Enterprises (PARTAS, ICE, SPADE) and the Entrepreneurs Academy.
Susan Spence
Chair of the Dublin Regional Enterprise Plan Steering Committee
Dublin Highlights
| • Enterprise Hub provision in Dublin was reviewed with a dedicated research report; a live | ||
|---|---|---|
| hub ecosystem map was subsequently produced and is available on the Dublin Place | ||
| Brand website Dublin.ie. | ||
| • Circular Economy Hotspot Dublin 2023, a major international event held in Dublin between 29 May to 1 June, focused on the benefits of sustainability through the circular economy. The event raised awareness of Dublin’s commitment to the circular economy and provided an opportunity to forge connections and foster collaborations to help accelerate the transition to a circular economy. | ||
| • The ENFUSE Project 2023 matched 57 local and social enterprises with 301 Masters | ||
| level students as part of an academic module during the academic year 2022-2023. The | ||
| students provided insights, proposed solutions, and presented bespoke, tangible plans | ||
| that set out how the enterprises can innovate and develop. | ||
| • A Place Branding Conference was held in June 2023 which brought together key stakeholders to advance discussions around the value of adopting the Dublin Place Brand. This was the first forum of its type to be held in Ireland and brought together a wide range of professionals from the public and private sectors. | ||
| • The Dublin REP together with Dublin City University and the Office of Government | ||
| Procurement ran a procurement survey to determine the challenges facing SMEs. The | ||
| data gathered through the survey shows the market trends for 2023 at national level | ||
| and broken down regionally. This research data will provide an evidence base to inform | ||
| policy on improving procurement processes. | ||
| • PARTAS and SPADE have collaborated with social enterprises through the Neighbour Economics project to deliver kitchen space for artisans, chefs and SMEs. The project also established ‘The Priory’, a suburban indoor eatery for artisans to host their products, which facilitates community building as well as business opportunities for the participants | ||
| • Initiatives were introduced in 2023 to advance Dublin’s Night-Time Economy in line with | ||
| the objectives of the National Night-Time Economy Taskforce Report. Dublin city was | ||
| designated as one of the nine pilot areas under the national NTE Report. Night-Time | ||
| Markets were piloted. Funding for a Night-Time Economy Advisor for Dublin to deliver | ||
| the Night-Time Economy strategy has been approved and recruitment is at an | ||
| advanced stage. |
Smart Specialisation
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment published Ireland’s National Smart Specialisation Strategy for Innovation 2022-2027 (S3) in July 2022, which embraces a regional approach to addressing Ireland’s Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I) challenges. It provides a bridge between regional and national innovation strategy building and decision making, bringing coherence to RD&I planning for the benefit of enterprise, and advancing the RD&I agenda regionally and nationally.
Smart Specialisation is a key component of the economic element of each of the three Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies for delivering balanced regional development in Ireland aligned with the objectives of Project Ireland 2040. S3 is also fundamental to developing smarter more competitive regions, one of the key strategic outcomes under Ireland’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Programmes 2021-2027.
The Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme has a very particular focus on supporting the Regional Enterprise Plans (REPs). It aims to accelerate economic growth in all regions by working with regional stakeholders to deliver on their potential regional enterprise strengths and opportunities, and by strengthening the regional enterprise innovation system. The scheme opened for applications on 12 October 2023.
Each of the Regional Assemblies sit on the National S3 Implementation Group which has overall responsibility for the delivery of S3 national and regional strategic priorities. In ensuring delivery of regional priorities, the Regional Assemblies also sit on the steering committees for the REPs. Working with the REPs is an important vehicle in translating S3 into regional and local impact.
Smart Specialisation in the Dublin Region
At NUTS 2 level Dublin is part of Ireland’s Eastern and Midland Region (EMR). As Ireland’s capital with international visibility, Dublin is an economic driver that plays a key role as a location of choice for mobile investment. It is a competitive city of scale that provides access to a multilingual skills base, that facilitates mobility of people and international access.
Dublin, as national economic driver, is the only city in Ireland with international scale, competing with other European and international cities. As per the National Smart Specialisation Strategy and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the EMR, the Dublin Region hosts a variety of enterprises including a large concentration of multi-nationals; four universities; numerous institutes and research centres with a young and well-educated population. These factors equate to a strong capacity to attract FDI and organisations focused on R&D and to drive new business formation.
As a region, Dublin is a global hub for international investment and high value jobs in ICT, Biopharma/Life Sciences, financial and business services and is home to a large amount of new business formation – start-ups – and a high concentration of organisations dedicated to
R&D, which suggests a critical mass of businesses in a healthy ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Dublin is home to a number of game development MNCs and indigenous start-ups. Action 1.1 of the REP speaks to this strength with plans to develop a film cluster.
Through the work of Smart Dublin which aims to promote the region as a leader in the development of smart city technologies using open data and innovation, Actions 2.5, 2.6 and 2.7 of the REP speak to regional strengths in ICT and Smart Cities.
This progress report documents implementation to end of Q3 2023 and has been prepared and signed off by the Dublin Regional Enterprise Plan Steering Committee.
Action Status Key
Action complete: The Steering Committee has deemed that these actions have been fully completed.
Action on target: The Steering Committee has deemed that these actions are on target for completion by the deadline.
Action not on target: The Steering Committee notes that delivery of these actions has been delayed but is still being progressed.
Action discontinued: The Steering Committee has agreed that these actions are no longer being pursued.
New/Amended action: The Steering Committee has agreed to create a new action or revise an existing action.
Strategic Objective 1: Strengthen resilience and the potential for scaling amongst Dublin’s SMEs and Start-Ups
Action 1.1: Supporting Enterprise Hub Provision in Dublin – Review and support the development of enterprise hub provision in Dublin
Action Leader: Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Dublin City
Timeframe for delivery: Q1 2024
Status: Action complete
Action Update:
Enterprise hub provision in Dublin has been reviewed with a research report and enterprise hub mapping complete.
Following the research report, a live ecosystem map was produced which features enterprise hubs and their contact details across the region. This map also incorporates other ecosystem supports and educational institutions.
The report provides a key insight to the preparation of the statutory Local Economic and Community Plans (LECPs) for the four Dublin local authorities. This report was also provided to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in the context of contributing to the forthcoming National Hub Strategy on the themes of enterprise, employment, and community.
The report is featured on the LEO Dublin City website and on the Dublin Place Brand website here: Coworking & Enterprise Centres in Dublin
Action 1.2: Business Mentoring Capabilities – Strengthen Business Mentoring Capabilities among existing mentor panels
Action Leader: LEO Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown (DLR)
Timeframe for delivery: Q4 2024
Status: Action on target
Action Update:
A long-term viable route for upskilling the LEO mentor network has been rolled out across the four Dublin LEOs. In each session up to two mentors share their subject matter knowledge with the broader mentor network. The outcomes include an increased awareness of the subject matter and a better understanding of who the experts in various fields are, allowing for better client signposting by mentors and LEO staff.
Figure from page 11
Two sessions were held in March and June 2023 with another Dublin wide event in September. This event was hosted in the Talbot Hotel with 40 mentors in attendance. Dublin City Council will run a Dublin region event in Q1 2024.
Action 1.3: Enabling Supply Opportunities for SMEs – Enhancing opportunities for small businesses to benefit from supply openings to include communication, training and awareness among Public and Private / MNC sectors
Action Leader: LEO South Dublin and South Dublin County Council
Timeframe for delivery: Q4 2024
*Original timeframe extended
Status: Action on target
To provide an evidence base for this action, it was decided to carry out a detailed procurement survey. Following an initial delay, the survey issued in Q2 2023 to both buyers and suppliers; it sought to gather information on the procurement environment for indigenous SMEs and larger companies, both at regional and national level and with an option to select a geographical area across the regions. This survey will deliver reliable data with the research report including both findings and recommendations to be completed in Q3 2023 by Dublin City University.
Once the report has been completed, the work for this action will reconvene to benchmark training and mentoring for SMEs to promote procurement opportunities to the business community through procurement events with stakeholders.
A second procurement survey will be carried out in 2024.
Action 1.4 Clustering for SMEs – Develop a strategy to enable and cultivate the formation of sectoral clusters in the Dublin region
Action Leader: LEO Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown (DLR)
Timeframe for delivery: Q4 2024
*Original timeframe extended
Status: Action on target
Action Update:
There is considerable clustering activity happening across the Dublin region which could benefit from better coordination, including linking in with national-level developments.
A MedTech cluster was established in 2022. The cluster has 31 contributing companies residing in the Guinness Enterprise Centre (GEC) and elsewhere, enabling collaboration between its members, Tallaght University Hospital, Saint James’s Hospital and Children’s Health Ireland. This facilitates market access to European and North American markets and provides a space in the GEC for collaboration, focus groups, innovation groups and client engagement.
The National Clustering Programme (NCP) is currently being devised. There will be a consultation exercise to receive feedback from stakeholders in the clustering ecosystem. It is anticipated that the NCP will be published in 2024.
A working group has been established with the four Dublin LEO Heads ofEnterprise, the
Cluster Centre andEnterpriseIreland to develop a cluster strategy for Dublin. This will be
informed by the NCP.
DLR County Council is leading on the establishment of two clusters in the Marine and Film industries. The proposed strategy will focus initially on these two clusters within the region. An application under the forthcoming Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme is planned.
DLR County Council organised a training clustering event by a global leader for the staff of the four Dublin local authorities who advised on an approach cluster development.
Strategic Objective 2: Promote context specific, attractive, and adaptive placemaking for an evolving world of work and diverse lifestyles, enabling resilience, business recovery and new opportunities for Dublin
Action 2.1: Engage to identify a pathway for the implementation of the ‘15- minute city’ concept to encourage sustainable neighbourhoods
Action Leader: Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA)
Timeframe for delivery: Q4 2024
Status: Action on target
Action Update:
EMRA is currently researching the components needed to develop a pathway for implementation of the 15-minute city concept.
EMRA is completing a review of each of the City and County Development Plans (CDPs) for the four Dublin local authorities, each of which contains policies, objectives, and principles to encourage sustainable neighbourhoods. In line with the EMRA’s Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) for the Eastern and Midland Region the key principles of healthy placemaking, climate action and economic opportunity are central to each of the CDPs. As the policies and objectives of the CDPs are evidence-based and aligned with national and regional policy, this review provides key evidence as to how neighbourhoods across the four Dublin local authorities work.
EMRA is leading a pathfinder programme for the region as part of the National Pathfinder Programme: Pathfinder Programme 27, the Smart and Sustainable Mobility Accelerator. This programme is underpinned by the National Sustainable Mobility Policy (SMP) Action Plan 2022-2025, an initiative led by the Department of Transport. The workshop sessions for Target Group 1 (local authority staff) will conclude in November 2023, and the mentoring sessions for this group are continuing into 2024. The design of the workshops for the second target group, elected members, will commence in Q2 2024. These workshops are assisting in tailoring the components for the pathway in a manner which will respond to target user needs.
EMRA’s engagement with the NTA in relation to the preparation of the NTA’s Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area, and the creation of Active Travel Units (and their roles) within local authorities has acted to bring together complementary active travel projects through the preparation and implementation of metropolitan transport strategies which is feeding into pathway development. Tying in with this, the Pathfinder 17 Programme(Five Cities Demonstrator: Dublin Active Travel City) is another relevant pathfinder programme under the SMP. The schemes under this programme incorporate elements of cycle infrastructure, traffic reduction, road space allocation, public realm improvements, and the 10-
minute neighbourhood (15-minute city). These schemes include the Dún Laoghaire/Blackrock area (Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council), Dublin 24 Area Rapid Build and Castletymon (South Dublin County Council), Dublin City Centre (Dublin City Council) and Swords/Airport Connectivity (Fingal County Council) and represent strong exemplar projects to inform pathway development.
Action 2.2: Promote attractive, adaptive, and healthy placemaking
Action Leader: Dublin City Council (DCC), Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown (DLR) County Council, Fingal County Council and South Dublin County Council
Timeframe for delivery: Q4 2024
Status: Action on target
Action Update:
City and County Development Plans for the four Dublin local authorities have been finalised. Each plan contains local and regional placemaking policies concerning urban design, public realm, amenities, and heritage and walking and cycling to support active lifestyles, and to create healthy and attractive places to live, work, visit and invest in.
The Regional Development Monitor (RDM) was launched in November 2022 and provides an evidence base to inform and monitor the implementation of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) and Metropolitan Area Strategic Plans (MASP) across the Dublin region. This publicly accessible resource can assist the local authorities in gaining a greater insight into social, economic and environmental trends to aid better decision making to promote attractive, adaptive, and healthy placemaking.
The Dublin Regional Enterprise Plan (REP) stakeholders participated in the OECD roundtable, Towards more balanced regional attractiveness in Ireland which was facilitated by the EMRA in June 2023. This engagement informed the OECD’s report to be published in Q4 2023.
Consultation and engagement on the National Planning Framework (NPF) is due to take place in 2024. There is an opportunity to use the forthcoming review to inform activity in this action.
The REP Working Group will give further consideration to refine desired outcomes; this action and action 2.1 have a certain shared purpose and dependency due to interconnectivity of 15- minute cities and sustainable neighbourhood policies. There is a need to explore the potential of using European funding/prizes (e.g. Bauhaus, URBACT and Interreg) to encourage identification and championing of exemplar projects with input to be sought from the Office of the Planning Regulator.
Action 2.3: Advance the shared brand vision for Dublin
Action Leader: Dublin City Council (DCC)
Timeframe for delivery: Q4 2024
*Original timeframe extended
Status: Action on target
Action Update:
A research report has been completed to inform the Dublin Place Strategy and provide evidence of the benefit of utilising the place brand to work collaboratively across the public, semi state and private sectors to further regional objectives.
A Place Branding Conference, Place Race, was held in Dublin in June 2023 which brought together key stakeholders to advance discussions around the value of adopting the Dublin Place Brand.
This was the first forum of its type to be held in Ireland and brought together a wide range of professionals from the public and private sector. 61 delegates attended the conference from 34 organisations. 19 international speakers from across economic development, tourism, construction, placemaking specialists, property developers, brand and marketing specialists and place consultants participated.
A pilot campaign during summer 2023 on the culture element was rolled out in Dublin City.
Funding and resources will continue to be pursued to support, encourage, and deliver actions in the research report.
Action 2.4: Convene a Dublin Mayors Forum on the role of safety and security in supporting Dublin’s recovery Amended Action 2.4: Consider the role of safety and security in supporting sustainable enterprise growth in the Dublin region
Action Leader: Dublin City Council (DCC), Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown (DLR) County Council, Fingal County Council and South Dublin County Council
Timeframe for delivery: Q4 2024
*Original timeframe extended
Status: Action not on target
Action Update:
This action was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic and since that time other stakeholders have taken active steps to address the initial intentions of this action. This new action now pivots from supporting recovery to pursuing the themes of safety and security in Dublin through various channels connected to the Dublin Regional Enterprise Plan.
Engagement has taken place with DCC and various stakeholders on the role of safety and security in supporting sustainable growth of the Dublin region. The business community are interested in maintaining a focus on this issue.
Action 2.5: Develop Dublin as a flagship for the night-time economy
Action Leader: Dublin City Council (DCC)
Timeframe for delivery: Q4 2024
*Original timeframe extended
Status: Action on target
Action Update:
Dublin city was designated as one of the nine pilot areas under the National Night-Time Economy Report.
DCC supports implementation of this report and has undertaken considerable work on the night-time economy in development and roll out of pilot projects. Summer Nights at Moore Street took place in July and August 2023 and a Night-Time Economy Summit is planned for November 2023.
DCC is currently recruiting for the position of a Night-Time Economy Advisor for Dublin. This Advisor will be tasked with developing and delivering a comprehensive night-time economy strategy that is focused on supporting a stronger, safer, more diverse and sustainable, betterconnected night-time economy.
Action 2.6: Future-proof Dublin to take advantage of new and emerging technology trends
Action Leader: Smart Dublin, Dublin City Council (DCC), Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown (DLR) County Council, Fingal County Council and South Dublin County Council
Timeframe for delivery: Q4 2024
Status: Action on target
Action Update:
The Smart Dublin Team, which was founded by the four Dublin local authorities, is working on various ambitious projects aligned with the Dublin REP including 5G for the next evolution of faster and efficient mobile technology, the Smart Districts initiative and projects looking at digital twin simulation and modelling emerging ideas on urban air mobility.
DCC worked with AI Awards Ireland to introduce and sponsor a sustainability award category in the awards scheduled for November 2023.
Projects enabling Dublin to take advantage of new and emerging technology trends will require funding through national and European sources. The Smart Dublin Team has experience in pursuing European funding through competitive calls. The team is networked nationally and internationally through conferences, award competitions, events and partnerships through Smart Cities Projects.
Action 2.7: Unlocking the connectivity potential of Dublin – A World Class Digital Infrastructure for all Dubliners
Action Leader: Smart Dublin, Dublin City Council (DCC), Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown (DLR) County Council, Fingal County Council and South Dublin County Council
Timeframe for delivery: Q4 2024
Status: Action on target
Action Update:
Digital connectivity infrastructure plays a critical and increasingly important role in Dublin’s social and economic development. DCC has appointed a dedicated Telecoms Unit which supports open and proactive collaboration with the Telecoms Sector. The Telecoms Unit is a ‘one-stop-shop’ for all telecoms-related dealings with the Council.
Two industry-specific seminars on the theme of ‘supporting connectivity and competitiveness’ have been held in June 2022 and August 2023. The purpose was to facilitate increased telecoms investment in Dublin by addressing telecoms related issues and queries and enabling the use of public assets such as ducting, buildings and street furniture to support the deployment of telecoms infrastructure in compliance with the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC). DCC will chair the newly launched Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) City Telecoms Association in partnership with Cities Today Institute which will launch in London in October 2023.
The focus has been on Dublin city. Additional resources will be required to coordinate and scale the work by DCC’s Telecoms Unit across the Dublin region. Funding will be required to support and encourage regional cooperation and collaboration in scaling the telecoms work under this objective.
Action 2.8: Rethinking mobility in Dublin via Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS)
Action Leader: National Transport Authority (NTA)
Timeframe for delivery: Q4 2024
*Original timeframe extended
Status: Action not on target
Action Update:
Due to prioritisation of other actions within this objective, progress has been slower than initially planned.
Relevant stakeholders will progress this action to the end of 2024 and activity will align with the Greater Dublin AreaTransport Strategy 2022-2032. Work will include the examination of potential active travel teams across the four Dublin local authorities playing a new role in the implementation of measures under this action.
Strategic Objective 3: Facilitate every individual to realise their full potential through engagement in economic activity
Action 3.1: Inclusive City – Dublin will become a ‘City of Inclusion’ with the participation of each of the four Local Authorities which will involve the development and implementation of an appropriate strategy Amended Action 3.1: Inclusive City – Dublin will become a ‘City/Region of Inclusion’ with the statutory review of each of the four local authorities’ Local Economic and Community Plans
Action Leader: Dublin City Council (DCC)
Timeframe for delivery: Q4 2024
Status: Action on target
Action Update:
Engagement is ongoing with each of the four Dublin local authorities on the review of the Local Economic and Community Plans (LECPs) to encourage inclusion and integration.
Recruitment of Integration Coordinators and Integration Support Workers has commenced within the four Dublin local authorities.
Action 3.2: Knowledge Hub – A knowledge hub will be developed which will provide information and signposting offering a pathway to employment for all marginalised and disadvantaged communities
Action Leader: TU Dublin
Timeframe for delivery: Q4 2024
*Original timeframe extended
Status: Action on target
Action Update:
The Enterprise Academy in TU Dublin are currently preparing a brief for the design of the User Interface for a Knowledge Hub to create a digital central hub for any person from marginalised and disadvantaged communities who will require support for employment.
TU Dublin will then seek resources to host and maintain the information and signposting site.
Action 3.3: Employer Awareness – A strong promotional campaign across the employer networks will be developed to motivate employers to support people from marginalised backgrounds into various entry points to full-time employment ActionLeader: Open Doors Initiative
Timeframe for delivery: Q4 2024
*Original timeframe extended
Status: Action on target
Action Update:
Engagement is ongoing between the Open Doors Initiative and TU Dublin to progress this action.
TU Dublin and the Open Doors Initiative are dedicated to establishing inclusive pathways to employment, education, and entrepreneurship for individuals facing challenges, including those with disabilities, refugees, asylum seekers and members of disadvantaged communities.
The Open Doors Initiative is working with public and private sector employers to offer work placement opportunities for these groups of people with various positions available at present; Opens Doors is providing the link between the employers and this cohort of society to enable work placements.
Action 3.4 Neighbourhood Economics – Community-led social enterprises will offer physical locations to support artisan enterprises to get established and sell their products / services, plus offer nascent entrepreneurs a premises to share space, skills, and ideas
Action Leader: Partas, Social Community Enterprise
Timeframe for delivery: Q4 2024
*Original timeframe extended
Status: Action on target
Action Update:
There has been excellent progress and collaboration with the Dublin Regional Enterprise Plan (REP) Working Group through bi-monthly working group meetings, to create a cluster of social enterprises which will support the establishment of local businesses that provide a range of jobs for residents promoting a healthy and diverse local economy in Tallaght, an urban town in South County Dublin that enhances inclusion and growth.
All resources and funding are delivered by Partas, a social enterprise, with collaboration and initiatives from other stakeholders on the working group on the pre-planning application process, peer to peer learnings on shared kitchen space and engagement with Enterprise Ireland on funding opportunities.
Action 3.5 Digital Divide – City of Dublin Education and Training Board, through its partnership with Google, will provide access to the Google Professional Certificates initiative. CDETB will also collaborate with other stakeholders and will provide Digital Literacy and other IT related training to marginalised and disadvantaged communities
Action Leader: City of Dublin Education and Training Board (CDETB)
Timeframe for delivery: Q4 2024
Status: Action not on target
Action Update:
Initial communication with CDETB encountered challenges due to staff changes at senior level in 2023. Renewed connections have been made via the Regional Skills Manager and engagement will commence to progress this action over the remaining lifetime of this plan.
Action 3.6 Community Groups – Support will be provided to initiate and grow voluntary community groups who can offer economic and social services at a local level
Action Leader: Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups
Timeframe for delivery: Q4 2024
*Original timeframe extended
Status: Action on target
Action Update:
Engagement is ongoing with the Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups, who have agreed to develop guidelines for corporate governance and case studies for community-based groups.
Training programmes are being delivered and awareness of governance will be improved through renewed communication channels and collaboration with social enterprises.
The training programmes are aimed at charities, community groups, voluntary organisations and social enterprises in Ireland. The funding for the provision of these services comes from the National Training Fund administered by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science.
Strategic Objective 4: Enable and position business as leaders in Dublin’s low carbon transition
Action 4.1: Providing Business Support Mapping / Spoke Hub – Regulatory and Policy Content and Practical Business Supports Sign Posting
Action Leader: Dublin Chamber
Timeframe for delivery: Q4 2024
Status: Action on target
Action Update:
Dublin Chamber is leading on this initiative with active promotion of events and supports designed to assist businesses in their transition to a low and zero carbon economy.
The Dublin Chamber Sustainability Academy sponsored by AIB, is a first of its kind skills initiative in Ireland with one goal - to help firms become environmentally sustainable and as a result become more competitive, resilient and successful. Members and SMEs are invited to engage in various workshops on Circular Business Models, Green Public Procurement, Carbon Footprint, Sustainability and Resource Efficiency to assist their low carbon transition. These workshops are ongoing and provide the tools and knowledge that make impactful sustainable change to SMEs.
Dublin Chamber collaborated with Dublin City Council (DCC) and Dublin City LEO at a panel discussion on Sustainable Business as part of the Furthr Festival in October 2022 in the Convention Centre, Dublin. A workplan has commenced for the Business Support Mapping and the Spoke and Hub model of support, though funding needs to be identified to deliver this action.
Dublin Chamber is providing sustainability and advisory services to SMEs as part of the Enterprise Europe Network. The service is delivered via a hub and spoke model whereby Dublin Chamber acts as the hub (main provider/advisors of the service), connecting with and providing for relevant enterprise service providers and stakeholders (spokes).
In order to deliver the service, it required Dublin Chamber to complete an extensive stakeholder mapping exercise. The advisory service can be accessed by SMEs on a limited pilot basis. Additional funding is required to further roll out the service beyond pilot phase and provide a website that can help direct firms to the appropriate supports.
Action 4.2: Develop Circular Economy Hub
Action Leader: Dublin City Council
Timeframe for delivery: Q4 2024
*Original timeframe extended
Status: Action on target
Action Update:
In February 2023 the Guinness Enterprise Centre (GEC) launched its sustainability cluster. The new cluster was opened by Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD.
As part of this, the GEC partnered with Techies Go Green, a movement of more than 300 IT and tech-oriented companies which are committed to decarbonising their businesses. Techies Go Green will use the facility as its base of operations, as well as for educational events for signatories.
In May 2023, Dublin hosted the coveted Circular Economy Hotspot Event. Circular Economy Hotspot Dublin 2023 brought together key actors from across the globe to explore the opportunities to accelerate the circular transition. Focussed discussions deepened the knowledge-share across six key areas: social enterprise, built environment, design and innovation, food systems and the bioeconomy, textiles and communications. The event established the collaboration frameworks in Dublin to support the co-design of future circular economy solutions for greater impact.
The Rediscovery Centre (RDC) entered into a formal partnership with Holland Circular Hotspot to accelerate the transition towards a circular economy in Ireland, the Netherlands and beyond. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed in May 2023 and under the agreement, both parties provide their experience, knowledge and expertise to intensify bilateral cooperation in the circular economy space.
Empowering Communities with Circular Opportunities (ECCO) is a three-year project, funded by the Government which delivers capacity building for a circular economy across four regional hubs including the RDC in Dublin. It aims to empower and build capacity within communities and develop circular economy opportunities.
In January 2023 the RDC submitted an application to the Rethink Ireland: Entrepreneurship Impact Fund Application to explore the most appropriate model to investigate and expand opportunities for regional demonstration and outreach hubs to promote and stimulate engagement with the circular economy. The outcome of this proposal is expected soon.
As part of the investigative work around regional and city support, an initiative to establish a Circular Economy hub in Dún Laoghaire is being examined through a local steering group in collaboration with the Rediscovery Centre and Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. The vision for this proposal is for Dún Laoghaire to become Ireland’s first circular coastal community.
Action 4.3: Support Innovation Capacity – Partnering with European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Climate Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KIC) to develop a Circular Economy European Accelerator Programme
Action Leader: Eastern Midlands Waste Management Planning Office
Timeframe for delivery: Q4 2023
Status: Action complete
Action Update:
Dublin City Council and the Eastern Midlands Waste Management Planning Office engaged in the EIT Climate KIC Circular Economy European Accelerator Programme. As a city partner, the sharing of challenges facing Dublin as a capital city and how it works to accelerate the green transition and digital economy was discussed to inform development of circular start-up solutions.
The programme saw the recruitment of a wide range of start-ups, a number of these progressed from stage 1 to stage 2 of the programme. The city partners engaged with the start-ups who had developed business models designed to reduce, reuse, recycle, recover, and regenerate resources for the betterment of the lives of our citizens and our urban environment.
A transition towards a circular economy in Dublin also holds great promise for achieving balance and sustainable economic recovery and development. The Accelerator programme is complete.
Action 4.4: Develop Investor Community – Based on EU Investment Area
Action Leader: Sustainable Works
Timeframe for delivery: Q4 2024
Status: Action discontinued
Action Update:
This action has been discontinued.
Strategic Objective 5: Ensure the availability of skills and talent to realise Dublin’s future economic potential
Action 5.1: Provide ‘Awareness Events’ on training supports and programmes provided by Agencies and Educational providers
Action Leader: Enterprise Ireland
Timeframe for delivery: Q4 2024
Status: Action on target
Action Update:
Enterprise Ireland approved around €1 million in funding directly to Dublin companies including capability supports and graduate placements since January 2023 to drive company development plans.
Skills and capability development are core activities of the enterprise agencies who operate with portfolios of companies through one-to-one and group communication regarding their development needs.
Consistency of messaging is ensured through the auspices of the Dublin Regional Skills Forum (RSF). The Forum is made up of education and training providers, enterprise agencies, industry associations (and sector subgroupings). The Forum meets quarterly and shares information on various initiatives. There is direct engagement with microenterprises and SMEs by the RSF secretariat.
The four Dublin LEOs continue to advertise an extensive range of training programmes aimed at their clients.
Enterprise Ireland’s Spotlight on Skills programme saw a number of virtual workshops held which Dublin companies could attend. Two Spotlight on Skills programmes were scheduled in September 2023 and aimed specifically at Dublin based companies.
Enterprise Ireland and the Irish Universities Association held the Ways to Engage seminar focused on skills and talent for the SME sector in September 2023. The seminar covered topics such as employment options for hiring international students, learning about new ways of upskilling and reskilling staff through Micro Credentials and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Enterprise Ireland ran several webinars up until Q3 2023 covering a range of issues critical to competitiveness, including supply chain management, raising finance and digital adoption.
Dublin City Council’s ‘ENFUSE 2023’ project was a collaboration of over thirty businesses directly linked to MSc Students to develop business plans for microenterprises and SMEs.
As part of the Fingal Skills Project focusing on sector engagement, four meetings were held with Logistics/Construction/Green groups as well as the main Skills project implementation group.
Action 5.2: Leading the Way SME Project – Dublin Regional Pilot
Action Leader: Enterprise Ireland
Timeframe for delivery: Q4 2024
Status: Action on target
Action Update:
On foot of recommendations by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs in its 2020 management skills report Leading the Way, a national project for SMEs to determine training needs and requirements was undertaken. This was made up of a consortium of 14 partners from public and private sectors collaborated to develop the resources and content for Skills for Better Business an initiative aimed at assisting SME owners and managers across Ireland.
Skills for Better Business comprises an online tool for management skills assessment, complemented by a sign-posting resource providing quick contact information for management education and training; it was formally launched nationally by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney TD, and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research and Skills, Simon Harris TD, in December 2022.
The tool is operational and is being promoted to companies. The Skills for Better Business online assessment is a standing item on Enterprise Ireland’s company update which is sent to over 3,000 companies on a weekly basis.
Action 5.3: Carry out a review of the current skills landscape
Action Leader: Enterprise Ireland
Timeframe for delivery: Q4 2024
Status: Action discontinued
Action Update:
Figure from page 26
As referenced under action 5.1, there is a pre-existing, formalised structure in place through the Dublin Regional Skills Forum (RSF) which supports businesses in the Dublin region to assess and develop skills for employees.
In May 2023, the OECD Skills Strategy Assessment and Recommendations project published a comprehensive review of Ireland’s approach to skills provision and how the existing skills
strategy might need to be adapted to ensure that it is still fit for purpose. This included an examination of initiatives in other jurisdictions.
The publication followed extensive desk research and active engagement with government and stakeholder representatives in multiple workshops, group discussions and bilateral meetings. The project identified priority areas for action and provided tailored recommendations for improving Ireland’s skills outcomes. Stakeholders involved in the Dublin Regional Enterprise Plan had the opportunity to feed into this comprehensive process. It is considered that the OECD report fulfils the intention of this action which can be discontinued to avoid duplication of activity.
Any further future activities undertaken should dovetail with national strategy and various work programmes including the work programme to implement the findings of the OECD Skills report.
Strategic Objective 6: Strengthen Dublin’s Ecosystem
Action 6.1: Supporting the Development of Regional Enterprise Development Plans
Action Leader: Enterprise Ireland
Timeframe for delivery: Q4 2024
Status: Action not on target
Action Update:
In Q1 2023 the Steering Committee Chair and Programme Manager discussed initial project proposals with stakeholders and provided these to Enterprise Ireland in anticipation of the launch of a new regional enterprise scheme supported by the European Regional Development Fund.
In Q2 2023 Enterprise Ireland had extensive consultations with other stakeholders around the proposed scheme, the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme. Enterprise Ireland continued its work throughout early 2023 to finalise the scheme for launch and to put in place the resources necessary to support potential project applicants. The launch of the scheme was delayed but is expected in Q4 2023.
The Steering Committee will actively work with project partners and Enterprise Ireland to progress potential projects in the Dublin region, once the funding scheme is open for applications.
Action Status Table by Strategic Objective
*Updated timeframe agreed by Steering Committee
| Strategic Objective 1: Strengthen resilience and the potential for scaling amongst Dublin’s SMEs and Start-Ups. | Status | For completion by |
|---|---|---|
| Action 1.1: Supporting Enterprise Hub Provision in Dublin – Review and support Enterprise Hub Provision in Dublin. | Action complete | Q1 2024 |
| Action 1.2: Business Mentoring Capabilities – Strengthen Business Mentoring Capabilities among existing mentor panels. | Action on target | Q4 2024 |
| Action 1.3: Enabling Supply Opportunities for SMEs – Enhancing opportunities for small businesses to benefit from supply openings to include communication, training and awareness among Public and Private / MNC sectors. | Action on target | Q4 2024* |
| Action 1.4: Clustering for SMEs – Develop a strategy to enable and cultivate the formation of sectoral clusters in the Dublin region. | Action on target | Q4 2024* |
| Strategic Objective 2: Promote context specific, attractive, and adaptive place- making for an evolving world of work and diverse lifestyles, enabling resilience, business recovery and new opportunities for Dublin. | Status | For completion by |
|---|---|---|
| Action 2.1: Engage to identify a pathway for the implementation of the ‘15-minute city’ concept to encourage sustainable neighbourhoods. | Action on target | Q4 2024 |
| Action 2.2: Promote attractive, adaptive, and healthy place-making. | Action on target | Q4 2024 |
| Action 2.3: Advance the shared brand vision for Dublin. | Action on target | Q4 2024* |
|---|---|---|
| Action 2.4: Consider the role of safety and security in supporting sustainable enterprise growth in the Dublin region. [Amended] | Action not on target | Q4 2024* |
| Action 2.5: Develop Dublin as a flagship for the night-time economy. | Action on target | Q4 2024* |
| Action 2.6: Future-proof Dublin to take advantage of new and emerging technology trends. | Action on target | Q4 2024 |
| Action 2.7: Unlocking the connectivity potential of Dublin – A World Class Digital Infrastructure for all Dubliners. | Action on target | Q4 2024 |
| Action 2.8: Rethinking mobility in Dublin via Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS). | Action not on target | Q4 2024* |
| Strategic Objective 3: Facilitate every individual to realise their full potential through engagement in economic activity. | Status | For completion by |
|---|---|---|
| Action 3.1: Inclusive City – Dublin will become a ‘City/Region of Inclusion’ with the statutory review of each of the four local authorities’ Local Economic and Community Plans. [Amended] | Action on target | Q4 2024 |
| Action 3.2: Knowledge Hub – A knowledge hub will be developed which will provide information and signposting offering a pathway employment for all marginalised and disadvantage communities. | Action on target | Q4 2024* |
| Action 3.3: Employer Awareness – A strong promotional campaign across the employer networks will be developed to motivate employers to support people from | Action on target | Q4 2024* |
| marginalised backgrounds into various entry points to full-time employment. | ||
|---|---|---|
| Action 3.4: Neighbourhood Economics – Community-led social enterprises will offer physical locations to support artisan enterprises to get established and sell their products/services, plus offer nascent entrepreneurs a premises to share space, skills and ideas. | Action on target | Q4 2024* |
| Action 3.5: Digital Divide – City of Dublin Education and Training Board, through its partnership with Google, will provide access to the Google Professional Certificates initiative. CDETB will also collaborate with other stakeholders and will provide Digital Literacy and other IT related training to marginalised and disadvantaged communities. | Action not on target | Q4 2024 |
| Action 3.6: Community Groups – Support will be provided to initiate and grow voluntary community groups who can offer economic and social services at a local level. | Action on target | Q4 2024* |
| Strategic Objective 4: Enable and position businesses as leaders in Dublin’s low carbon transition. | Status | For completion by |
|---|---|---|
| Action 4.1: Providing Business Support Mapping / Spoke Hub – Regulatory and Policy Content and Practical Business Supports Sign Posting. | Action on target | Q4 2024 |
| Action 4.2: Develop Circular Economy Hub. | Action on target | Q4 2024* |
| Action 4.3: Support Innovation Capacity – Partnering with European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Climate Knowledge and Innovation Communities | Action complete | Q4 2023 |
| (KIC) to develop a Circular Economy European Accelerator Programme. | ||
|---|---|---|
| Action 4.4: Develop Investor Community – Based on EU Investment Area. | Action discontinued | Q4 2024 |
| Strategic Objective 5: Ensure the availability of skills and talent to realise Dublin’s future economic potential. | Status | For completion by |
|---|---|---|
| Action 5.1: Provide ‘Awareness Events’ on training supports and programmes by Agencies and Educational providers. | Action on target | Q4 2024 |
| Action 5.2: Leading the Way SME Project – Dublin Regional Pilot. | Action on target | Q4 2024 |
| Action 5.3: Carry out a review of the current skills landscape. | Action discontinued | Q4 2024 |
| Strategic Objective 6: Strengthen Dublin’s Ecosystem. | Status | For completion by |
|---|---|---|
| Action 6.1: Supporting the development of Regional Enterprise Development Plans. | Action not on target | Q4 2024 |
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