Expert Office Advice

Stats and information for businesses considering relocation to or setting up an office in Dublin.

Dublin is the capital and the largest city in the Republic of Ireland (Ireland). It lies at the centre of County Dublin (Dublin Region). Around a quarter of Ireland’s population lives in the Dublin conurbation which contains the City of Dublin, and the modern counties of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal and South Dublin.

Dublin has experienced unprecedented growth in the last ten years. Businesses are on the rise and the city overflows with tourists who throng to Dublin, the party capital of Europe, to sample the world famous Irish fun. Today, Dublin ranks among the top tourist destinations in Europe. Despite the economic boom, Dublin has remained a friendly and fun-loving city.

Population
506,211 – Dublin City population in 2006
Source: Central Statistics Office Ireland (COS) Population of Each Province, County and City

Migration, immigration, ethnic diversity, basic population demographics
• Dublin has the youngest population in Europe with 41% under the age of 25 and 60% under 45 years.
• The main religions are Roman Catholic (82.23%), Church of Ireland (2.47%), Muslim (0.87%) others (7.78%).

Unemployment/employment rate
• Employment rate stands at 63.7%.
• Unemployment rate hovers at 4%.
Source: CSO Quarterly National Household Survey County Dublin (Sep – Nov 2006)

Average income/salary
€20,988 – annual pay
Source: CSO Estimate of Disposable Income Per Person By Region and County 2004

Location within the UK and closest major location
• Nestled near the midpoint of Ireland’s east coast at the mouth of the River Liffey
• Ideally situated at the centre of County Dublin

Transport options to and within
• Most buses that serve the town and cities around Ireland originate and terminate at Buscras, Dublin’s central bus station.
• The Dublin Area Rapid Transit runs at regular intervals on the railway line along the east coast.
• Dublin Airport has direct flights to other countries in the UK, Europe and North America.
• Ferry routes to and from the UK serve Dublin Port and Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

Closest airports with average distance from town/city centre
• Dublin Airport – 1.2 miles
• Belfast International Airport – 87.5 miles
• Shannon Airport – 120.7 miles

Dominating sectors/industries
Manufacturing and internationally traded services are major sectors in the local economy. The most famous industry is brewing. Many international banks and financial services companies have established headquarters in Dublin. A large number of pharmaceuticals, information and communications technology firms and electronic manufacturers operate in and around the city. All these have lead to Dublin being dubbed as the “Silicon Valley of Europe”. Because of its fast growing economy, there has also been a sharp increase in the construction business. Dublin is also the hub for both media and communications in Ireland. Many newspapers, radio stations, television networks and telephone companies are based in Dublin. Other key sectors include retail and tourism.

Large companies that have headquarters or major branches in the location
• Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Oracle
• Citibank, Irish Stock Exchange, Internet Neutral Exchange
• Canon, Lexmark, Sun Microsystems

Areas that are considered to be prime business locations
• East Point Business Park
• International Financial Services Centre
• Sandyford Industrial Estate

Awards
Europe’s City of Culture – 1991

Restrictions
The Dublin City Council imposes certain charges on businesses in Dublin City. Some of the charges include trade waste charges, planning fees, drainage and water charges.

Special business benefits/dispensations
Capital Grants of up to 50% of the cost of plant or equipment necessary for the business and other investment or €75,000, whichever is lower are available.

3 best things about the location
• Dublin has a highly developed infrastructure and communications network.
• Dublin is the centre of the transport system in Ireland.
• Dublin has the lowest corporate tax rate in Europe at 12.5% until the year 2025.

Comprehensive list of Dublin office space including short term and serviced

Resources, stats and info on emerging key business locations and commercial property in the UK:

Dublin30 - Low cost hotels, apartments and hostels in Dublin, ideal for business or leisure trips.