I can’t tell you all how much I have enjoyed the last few weeks. I have walked 24 of the 30+ villages that make up Dublin City…and I’m not done yet! This week, I started walking the City Centre area. I’ve met so many business owners who are excited about working with the City Council and my office on renewing their commitment to the community.
On Tuesday, 31st of August, I held my first Village Workshop. Business owners, community leaders, councillors and members of the DCC staff came together to brainstorm about how we can better market our small businesses and the villages they call home. The enthusiasm was terrific, and the buzz that was generated motivated everyone who was there. In fact, Pauline Sargent, Drimnagh Community Network secretary, went out right after the workshop and walked her village. She met more than 17 business owners and several of them are meeting with John Phelan to talk about getting the village businesses online. That is the “real time”, “champion” spirit we were talking about at the workshop.
The plan is to keep that buzz going. My staff has already set the wheels in motion with FÁS to see how we can team up marketing and business graduates with our villages to help each village coordinate their marketing and community efforts. We are also in the process of working out an organisational template that villages can follow and make their own.
If you would like to get involved with your village, contact the Mansion House, and we’ll connect you with someone in your area.
Back on the street this afternoon. I’m joining Pauline in Drimnagh to follow up on the hard work she’s already done!
