Dublin city business group Dublin Town has called for increased investment in hospitality sector north of the River Liffey.
A study carried out by research company Red C on behalf of Dublin Town showed that customers need more reasons to stay on the northside after the retail outlets close.
Speaking to The Irish Times, Dublin Town chief executive Richard Guiney said that although the retail offering on that side of the city is strong in places such as Henry Street, it doesn't offer the same level of hospitality that its southside counterpart does.
“The research has told us that people coming into the north side of the city to shop, also want to socialise. They see the existing food offerings as functional and indoors, such as cafes in shopping centres, and they would like more restaurants and cafes facing on to the street, potentially with tables outside,” said Guiney.
Guiney drew comparisons with Dublin's "Creative Quarter"; the area stretching from George's Street to Clarendon Street and Dame Street to South King Street. This area has seen a successful overhaul since 2011, as restaurants and bars started to crop up all over the area, often with outside seating.
A similar success story can happen in the Dublin 1 area, if business owners see the potential in the area. “We need to encourage more business in, to show them that there is a market, that there are premises available, and that rents are cheaper," he said, adding: “After all, it’s the centre of town, we’re not asking them to go to Alaska.”
