Ireland is currently facing one of the longest lockdowns in Europe resulting in a major loss for their social economy. Dublin’s nightlife scene is really struggling between constant venue closure, heavy restrictions, and alcohol licensing and regulatory laws stemming from the “Viking Ages”. Despite support and attention from the government night clubs, it is still hard to manage a profitable social economy.
Dublin, Ireland’s nightlife and social leaders remain hopeful nonetheless. The COVID pandemic offered an opportunity for reflection on necessary reform. While we witness the return of the “cafe society”, backlash against the demolition of cultural venues has proven how much the city values it’s cultural spaces. Spearheaded by Dublin’s Department of Culture, the city can expect an influx of positive changes in a post-COVID world.
Richard Guiney is CEO of DublinTown, Dublin city centre’s Business Improvement District. Representing 2,500 businesses, the organisation aims to make Dublin city a vibrant and successful commercial destination. Richard is recognized internationally as a Place Management expert, and as a Fellow of the Institute of Place Management, has spoken on various aspects of Town Centre development across the world. He previous served on the board of the London based Association of Town & City Management (ATCM), and has acted as its Ireland Chair. He also chaired Purple Flag Ireland. He is currently a Board Member and Secretary of the Global Business Districts Innovation Club. Prior to joining Dublin Town, Richard served as Director of Corporate Services with Chambers Ireland, where he represented the Irish Chamber Movement at the International Chambers of Commerce and Eurochambres. An Accountant and Tax Advisor by profession, Richard has a keen interest in the arts and has served on the boards of many national arts organisations as well as the Ana Liffey Drug Project.
