Members Area
Area Action Groups | Group Insurance Scheme | News & Events | Who to Contact | Board of Directors | FAQ
As a member of Dublin City Business Improvement District, you may already be aware of the events, initiatives and programmes we organise with businesses in our area . We are dedicated to creating an attractive, clean and safe Dublin City BID area to benefit our members customers and staff. We are also committed to bringing as many customers into Dublin City Centre as possible through our marketing and events activity.
Working together with our members is vital to ensure that we continue to deliver programmes which directly make a difference to your business, your street and the area overall. We welcome discussion with all members of the BID area and ask that if there is anything at all you would like to raise with us, please contact info@dublincitybid.ie.
Area Action Groups
The Area Action Groups take place bi-monthly. The purpose of these meetings is to develop local area plans under the following headings:
Safety and Security
Look and Feel
Marketing and Branding
Times and locations will be confirmed via email in the weeks prior to each meeting. To ensure you are on the Dublin City BID mailing list please email Gerard Farrell at gerard.farrell@dublincitybid.ie or Kathryn Ryan at kathryn.ryan@dublincitybid.ie with your details.
Our latest Area Action Group Meetings took place:
Monday 23rd January, 10am – Henry Street Area Meeting in King 7 Restaurant, 122 Capel Street. Minutes available here.
Tuesday 24th January, 10am – Abbey Street/Talbot Street Area Meeting in the Abbey Theatre. Minutes available here.
Tuesday 31st January, 10am – Grafton Street / Sth. William Street Area Meeting – upstairs in Kitchen Restaurant, South Anne Street. Minutes available here.
Dates of the next Area Action Meetings will be published in due course.
We invite all members to attend these meetings and please confirm your attendance to Gerard Farrell or Kathryn Ryan. You can also let us know if you are interesting in hosting a meeting.
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Group Insurance Scheme
As a business representative group we are acutely aware of the financial difficulties facing many of our members. As a result we are keen to introduce schemes that will save businesses money by using our combined economic muscle for the benefit of our members.
As part of this programme we recently introduced a group Insurance Scheme that offers members savings of up to 20% on their insurance premiums. The scheme is managed by First Ireland Insurance Brokers who are one of the largest brokers in Ireland. In addition to the savings available, First Ireland have committed to re-investing circa 5% of all premium income back into the Business Improvement District through promotional and sponsorship programmes. The deal with First Ireland also gives Business Improvement District members access to free, independent, expert advice on a range of financial and insurance-related matters
A 60 per cent take-up for the group scheme would save €1.2 million for members. According to new research, members of the city centre Business Improvement District spend an estimated €10 million on business insurance premiums every year. Members expect this to rise even further, as premium increases are being sought at a time of tough trading conditions
Our partnership with First Ireland is a significant milestone because it demonstrates how businesses can achieve substantial cost savings when their collective economic muscle is used to strike a bargain. Dublin City Business Improvement District aims to apply this model across other cost categories in the near future.
To obtain a quote please email bidscheme@firstireland.ie or call Connor Lyons on 01 882 0838.
News & Events
Bridgestone Guides – New Entries and Nominations
The latest edition of the Bridgestone Guides was launched yesterday, Wednesday 25th. Congratulations to our members who are included in this latest edition!
Further congratualtions to new nominees :
Christiana Righi of Taste of Emilia, Lower Liffey Street, Dublin – nominated in Ireland’s ’10 Great Women Chefs’.
Anne McKiernan of Brook’s Hotel, Drury Street – nominated in Ireland’s ’10 Great Hotel Managers’.
The new entries to Bridgestones 100 Best Restaurants in Ireland 2012: Coppinger Row & Taste of Emilia.
Area Action Meeting
Please click here for information on the upcoming Area Action Meetings which also includes minutes on the latest meetings.
1916 Easter Sunday Commemoration
We wish to inform you that the Commemoration Ceremony to mark the 96th Anniversary of the 1916 Rising will be held outside the GPO on Easter Sunday, 8 April 2012. The ceremony will be the same as that held for the last 5 years – starting at 12 noon and lasting about 30 minutes, with the usual traffic and security restrictions.
If you have any issues of concern arising from last years event please let Lorraine know.
Lorraine Dunne,
Protocol Section, Deptartment of the Taoiseach.
Tel: 01 619 4433
‘Your City Your Space’
The your city your space public realm report is Dublin City Council’s draft report on the future of the public realm in the city centre, covering everything from roads, footpaths, public squares, street furniture and parks. They have put this report out for consultation and are welcoming any submissions to yourspace@dublincity.ie, by Wednesday 25th january, so anyone who has ideas about how the city could be improved should think about making a submission. The main thrust of the report is having the city as pedestrian and public transport friendly as possible.
The report can be viewed here.
Dublin City BID Disputes IBAL Litter Survey Findings
We are most disappointed to again have the reputation of Dublin City Centre tarnished by such irresponsible reporting of inaccurate information. We remain firm in our position to present Dublin City centre as an attractive and visitor friendly city and will put our best efforts into ensuring this reputation is not damaged in any way.
Read the full press release here.
The Portas Review – An Independant review into the Future of our High Streets
Mary Portas of “Queen of Shops” fame, who was hired by the Prime Minister and UK Government to undertake this six month review in May, has recommended that “Town Teams” be empowered to take on more responsibilities and become “Super-BIDs” and that Landlords should invest in their Business Improvement District.
The report comprises of case studies and a summary of 28 recommendations all aimed at reviving Town Centres and High Streets.
Read the full list of recommendations here.
Press Release from DCC
Please see the below press release from Dublin City Council regarding changes in waste collection that may affect you.
Computer Fraud Warning
It has been brought to our attention by Gardai that there has been a scam in operation involving fraudulent calls being made to members of the public.
For details of advice please review the following document.
Marlborough Street Bridge
Transport Minister Leo Varadker has confirmed that a new bridge linking Marlborough Street and Hawkins Street will be built. Construction is due to begin in 2011 and will be paid for as part of the Public Transport Capital Expenditure Programme for 2011. It is hoped the bridge will transform a neglected area of the capital, opening up new retail opportunities. Please see below for a link to a map of the proposed bridge.
Safety Guidelines
The Gardai have issued guidelines on several aspects of safety. Please see links below. If you have any questions on any of the issues raised please contact Clyde Carroll on 01-633 4680 or clyde.carroll@dublincitybid.ie
Scams
A large number of scams have been brought to our attention. Many involve listings in Guide Books Business Directories. Please see link below for an example.
Business Directory Scam Letter
Please be vigilant when dealing with unsolicited mail. Do not sign anything.
Remember that any solicited mail via post or email should be treated with suspicion.
Contact Dublin City BID if you are unsure and we will do our best to look into the issue.
Rapid Response Cleaning Service
Part of our new street cleaning service includes a rapid response facility. If you have any urgent cleaning issues please call the office on 01- 633 4680 and our team will deal with them. You can also report any cleaning requirements directly to the team who are recognisable by their BID branded red high-vis jackets. Our team also provides a power wash service. This service is not recommended for older buildings as it could cause some wall damage. If you require the front of your building to be power-washed please contact Clyde Carroll on clyde.carroll@dublincitybid.ie or call the office on 01-633 4680.
Who to Contact
General Queries:
Dublin City BID, O’Connell Bridge House, D’Olier Street, Dublin 2.
Tel: 01-6334680
Email: info@dublincitybid.ie
Dublin City BID CEO
Richard Guiney
Email richard.guiney@dublincitybid.ie
Director of Marketing & Communications
Clyde Carroll
Email clyde.carroll@dublincitybid.ie
Membership & Communications Manager
Kathryn Ryan
Email kathryn.ryan@dublincitybid.ie
Operations Manager
Gerard Farrell
Email gerard.farrell@dublincitybid.ie
Accountant
Padraic Gaffney
Email padraic.gaffney@dublincitybid.ie
Glendenning Lane Security Gate
AGuard Security Services
Tel: 01-281 2132
Mobile: +087-2228737
For queries relating to the cleanliness of the lane, please contact the Dublin City BID office on 01-6334680.
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Board of Directors
Andrew Diggins (Chairman)
ILAC Centre
Paul Cadden
President, Restaurant Association of Ireland
Saba Restaurant
Colm Carroll
Carroll’s Gifts & Souvenirs
Michael Feehan (observer)
Assistant Garda Commissioner
Noel Flynn
Fielding Flynn and Associates
Basil Good
Isaac’s Hotel
Steve Gamble
Brown Thomas
Ray Hernan
Arnotts
Charlie Lowe
Dublin City Council
Cllr. Ray McAdam
Dublin City Council
Derek Mc Donnell
Jervis Shopping Centre
Andrew Murray
Penneys
Fergal O’Connell
The Fitzwilliam Hotel
Michael P O’Neill
Dublin City Council
Cllr. Maria Parodi
Dublin City Council
P.J. Timmins
Clery & Co (1941) Ltd.
Cathal Young
Cathal N. Young, O’Reilly & Co.
FAQ
What is a BID or Business Improvement District?
A BID or Business Improvement District is a business-led and business-funded body formed to improve a defined commercial geographic area. The concept of BIDS (Business Improvement District Schemes) originated in North America in the 1970s and they have been in existence in the UK since 2003 as a proven mechanism for effective town centre management.
BIDS are formed following consultation with businesses in a defined area. After this process a ballot takes place in which businesses vote on a proposal or business plan for their area based on the developmental requirements of the area as well as the needs and wants of the businesses contained within it.
What is Dublin City BID?
Legislation for Dublin City BID, the first BID in Ireland, was passed in 2006. The proposed plan for the area was endorsed in November 2007 and operations began in March 2008. The BID operates under a 5 year mandate to develop and promote the economic advancement of Dublin city centre. Our goal is to position Dublin city centre as the location of choice for shopping, leisure and business. Dublin City BID works on behalf of the 2,000 businesses in the area to create an attractive, welcoming, vibrant and economic successful space for Dublin city.
Who are Dublin City BID’s members?
We have 2,000 members across the core of Dublin city centre. Our members include every retailer, restaurant, hotel and service organisation in the defined BID area.
Click here for a map of the BID area
To confirm whether you are part of Dublin City BID, please contact Clyde Carroll clyde.carroll@dublincitybid.ie
What area does Dublin City BID cover?
The Dublin City BID area spans approximately 2.5km, running from Stephens Green to Parnell Square and from Capel Street to Amiens Street on the northside of the city and Dawson Street to South Great Georges Street on the southside of the city. The area is made up of 115 streets just under 4,000 buildings and 2,000 members.
Can businesses opt in to become a members of Dublin City BID?
Businesses outside the agreed area of the BID cannot choose to become members of the scheme. Our membership and the range of services that we offer are limited to the defined geographical area of the BID.
Can businesses opt out of Dublin City BID?
All businesses situated within the Dublin City BID area are automatically members of the BID as a result of the vote taken in 2007.
Why are Business Improvement Districts required?
Business Improvement Districts support the long-term sustainability of town and city centres. This support is needed because town and city centres have been under increasing pressure since the development of out of town shopping centres and the over-provision of retail space in suburbs. Business Improvement Districts enable town and city centres to approach the management of the trading environment / public space in a proactive and planned way which allows them gain and retain competitive advantage over the managed environment of shopping centres. Business Improvement Districts provide funding for the functions of town centre management, e.g. cleaning, marketing, Christmas lights, and ensure that everyone who benefits from these services share the cost. They also provide equality in ensuring that everyone who benefits shares the cost.
Business Improvement Districts are about joined-up thinking. The collective voice of a specific area is louder than several small voices. By bringing businesses within the area together, we can represent the needs of the city centre.
How is Dublin City BID funded?
As agreed in the original ballot voted in by the majority of businesses in the Business Improvement District, Dublin City BID is funded by its members. Each member pays a BID levy which in turn is pooled and used to fund the range of schemes and projects that Dublin City BID organises on behalf of its members. The levy is based upon 4% of the rateable valuation of the property.
What do I receive in return for my levy?
Business Improvement District members benefit from a range of services across the three core areas of focus as agreed in our mandate. The primary objective is to increase the number of customers coming into the city. We aim to achieve this by (1) creating a welcoming city (2) ensuring a sense of security in our city and (3) implementing a marketing campaign that promotes the city centre as the destination of choice for work, shopping and leisure.
We provide supplementary street cleaning throughout the BID area, including a rapid response service and we have removed 13,000m2 of graffiti from our members’ buildings. Our team of 12 Visitor Assistants and our Information Kiosks provide information to approximately 250,000 visitors and Dubliners alike. We also provide Christmas lights throughout the city, flower planters and hanging baskets on streets in our area.
Our members benefit from being part of a wider collective economic voice of 2,000 businesses when Dublin City BID represents their interests on issues facing the city centre. Through active lobbying and petitioning we ensure our members’ voices are heard. This collective economic muscle also allows us negotiate preferential rates on products and services for our members. For example, the Dublin City BID insurance scheme offers members savings of up to 20% on their insurance premia. The scheme also reinvests a proportion of the fund back in our area for further development and promotion.
The marketing programme we implement on behalf of our members serves to promote the city centre and develop increased custom for the businesses in our area. Throughout the year our events calendar promotes Dublin city centre as the retail, business and leisure location of choice.
How does an area become a Business Improvement District?
- Businesses will identify the area and the issues affecting it and put together a proposal which should include delivery guarantees, performance indicators and management structure.
- Business Improvement District proposals are voted on by the non-domestic rate payers who will be responsible for paying the BID levy. Businesses must vote in favour of becoming a Business Improvement District in order for it to be established.
- The vote is carried out via postal ballot conducted by the local authority.
- A Business Improvement District’s mandate is for a maximum of 5 years. A Business Improvement District wishing to continue beyond 5 years must reaffirm their mandate through another ballot, based on a further proposal.
Can any member of the Business Improvement District get involved in Dublin City BID programmes?
As a BID member, you are entitled to participate in all programmes, initiatives and events being organised by the Business Improvement District. We welcome opportunities to work with our members in any way possible. We are also interested in speaking with organisations or individuals who would like to partner with us. If you would like to get involved in any of our initiatives or require any more information, please contact the team on 01-6334680 or email us at info@dublincitybid.ie
As a member of the Business Improvement District can I put forward ideas to be included in the BID plan?
Yes, we encourage all members to submit ideas, proposals or changes that they would like to see in the Business Improvement District. For further information please contact the team on 01-6334680 or email us at info@dublincitybid.ie
IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT US
Dublin City BID Events
