Connecting Dublin Business

2010

Dublin Chamber of Commerce Annual Report

RPA - Building Dublin’s Transport Network

Luas Cherrywood Now Open

Luas Docklands Now Open

Luas Citywest Open 2011

Luas 2010 Passengers UP 8.5% on 2009

to 27.5 million passengers

RPA - Getting People out of cars and on to rail

 Infrastructure & Transport

Planning & Development

Financial Statements
Communications /PR
President’s Address

Corporate Partners
Local Government
Council Listing

Dublin Mayor
CEO’s Report

Membership

Staff Listing
Contents

Budget
D21
Contents

President’s Address 2

Chief Executive’s Report 4

Council Listing 6

Membership Taskforce Report 7

Communications/PR Report 8

Infrastructure & Transport Taskforce Report 9

Planning & Development Taskforce Report 9

D21 Taskforce Report 10

Budget Taskforce Report 10

Dublin Mayor Taskforce Report 11

Local Government Efficiency Taskforce Report 11

Corporate Partners 12

Financial Statements 14

Staff Listing 16

Page 1
 Infrastructure & Transport

Planning & Development

President’s Address

Financial Statements
Communications /PR

Corporate Partners
Local Government
Council Listing

Dublin Mayor
CEO’s Report

Membership

Staff Listing
Contents

Budget
D21
Bucking the trend, Dublin Chamber
had a good year.
Over 12,500 members and guests attended some to lead as I spent the best part of 22 years of my
115 events in the past 12 months; this was not only career in the city. Attendees received insightful
quite an achievement but testimony to the strength presentations on a range of topical issues, including:
of Dublin Chamber. Members see the value of high the economy, the reform of financial institutions, the
quality, well-run events where genuine business EU’s views on Ireland, trade policy and corporate
opportunities exist and where sponsors are able to taxation. As part of the mission, I addressed the
reach their target audience. European Parliament of Entrepreneurs.

I did my best to get to as many of the Chamber’s One of Dublin Chamber’s strengths that sets it
events as possible and this provided me with a apart from other chambers in the Dublin City
touchstone of the prevailing mood of the Dublin Region is its policy work. In the past year, the
business community. During the year, the majority Chamber published significant submissions on local
of companies - especially SMEs - continued to government reform; the Dublin City Development
struggle, although with some notable exceptions. Plan; the Regional Planning Guidelines; various T21
With the arrival of the EU/IMF delegations the mood projects; Budget 2011; the Government’s Bill for a
darkened further. However, companies and owner directly elected mayor; the supply of credit to SMEs
managers are nothing if not resilient, as we know. and many other issues. We met with the Taoiseach,
This steely determination to stay in business has the Ministers for Finance, Environment, Heritage
been a dominant theme throughout the year. and Local Government, Communications, Energy
A good example of this determination has been and Natural Resources, and Transport during the
the formation of the Business Owners Network, year. We also met with the Fine Gael front bench,
under the direction of David Wells (Acuity SOS individual TDs across many parties, and senior
IT Solutions). The Network consists of a group officials in a number of Government departments
of business leaders, who exchange best practice, and local authorities. While we may not have been
ideas and advice using the good offices of Dublin successful on every front, the Chamber influenced
Chamber. It is now 70 strong and a valuable the shape of the Dublin mayoral legislation, the City
offering to owner/managers. Another success Development Plan, and the retention and extension
story has been our Green Economy Forum. With of the Business Expansion Scheme in Budget 2011.
150 active members, the Forum brings together Council members Michele Connolly (KPMG), Mike
businesses from across a variety of sectors. I wish to Jones (BAM Construction), Derry Gray (BDO),
thank the Chair, Gerry Killen, for his able leadership Ciaran Ennis (IBM), Paul Hallam (PM Group) and
of the Forum. Colm McDonnell (Deloitte) deserve special mention
for their work and leadership on the Chamber’s
As President, I was part of a delegation this policy agenda.
year to visit San Jose, Dublin’s twin city, led
by the then Lord Mayor Cllr Emer Costello. Aligned to our influencing agenda are the Chamber’s
Highlights included a visit to IBM’s research communications activities. The Chamber had
facility, Stanford University and meetings significant media exposure with continued growth
with local businesses, including John in the quantity and quality of our coverage. I am
Hartnett of the Irish Technology Leaders’ pleased with the development of the Chamber’s
Group. I also travelled with John McGrane many publications this year, including Business
(Ulster Bank), Chair of the Membership Ireland and Dublin Business, the City Channel
Taskforce, to meet with the Edinburgh project and our online fora such as the Chamber’s
Chamber where we shared experiences, LinkedIn group, which has over 1150 members.
in particular in relation to the delivery of My blog on my year as President has had over
membership services. 6,000 visits and I just may continue writing! Dermot
Breen (Tesco) is to be congratulated for his work
In October, we had a business study mission in developing and supporting the delivery of the
to Brussels, which I was particularly proud Chamber’s communications strategy.

Page 2
 Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Annual Report 2010

President’s Address

The engine of the Chamber is the senior management team Finally, I would like to
ably led by Gina Quin. The team and indeed all Chamber expressly thank PJ Timmins
staff are to be congratulated for continuing to deliver a wide (Clery’s), last year’s
range of relevant, respected and value for money services. President; Imelda Reynolds
Membership numbers have held up well. Returning a surplus (Beauchamp Solicitors),
in these uncertain times is no mean achievement. A special incoming President; and
word of thanks therefore to Niall Feely (G4S), the Chamber’s Patrick Coveney (Greencore),
Honorary Treasurer. Deputy Vice-President, for
all their support and advice for what was for me one of the
The Chamber’s Council and Executive, who are listed on page highlights of my career. Being President of Dublin Chamber
6 met ten times each during the year in a wide variety of was a wonderful privilege and I hope in whatever way I
venues including the new Terminal 2, the Irish Times, KPMG, could I contributed to the best of my ability to making Dublin
and the new offices of Byrne Wallace. The dominant theme Chamber one of the most valued and respected business
at practically every meeting was the economy. We may not organisations in Ireland.
have reached consensus on every topic but we all agree that With my personal best wishes to all our members.
improving the competitive position of the Dublin City Region
is an over-arching strategic aim. The feedback from these
exchanges informed the Chamber’s position of key policy
issues and will be invaluable as work begins on the 2011 Peter Brennan
General Election manifesto. President

Clockwise from bottom left:

Then Lord Mayor, Cllr Emer Costello; the Chamber President;

An Taoiseach Brian Cowen TD; Robert Gallagher,
Chief Executive, Ulster Bank Corporate Markets;
and the Chief Executive.

The Chamber President; Micheál Martin TD, now Party

Leader of Fianna Fail; and Lord Mayor, Cllr Gerry Breen.

The Chamber President; Peter Sutherland SC; and

the Chief Executive.

Page 3
 Infrastructure & Transport

Planning & Development

President’s Address

Financial Statements
Communications /PR

Corporate Partners
Local Government
CEO’s Report

Council Listing

Dublin Mayor
Membership

Staff Listing
Contents

Budget
D21
It has never been more important for companies
to be out networking in their market place.
The business environment throughout 2010 Professor Peter Clinch; Paul Donovan (Eircom);
continued to be extremely challenging for businesses Jim O’Hara (Intel); Padraig McManus (ESB); Jack
in the Dublin City Region and beyond. Uncertainty Mollen (EMC Corporation); Aongus Hegarty (Dell);
reigned as the eyes of the international markets Peter O’Neill (IBM); and, William Slattery (State
focused intently on the country. However, at the Street).
Dublin Chamber we saw that businesses kept
together, used their networks and centred their If you have not come along to a Chamber event
attention on sales development, deepening customer recently, I would encourage you to make it your
relations, reducing their cost base, enhancing their New Business Resolution for 2011. People do
product offering and marketing their business. business with people they know and trust, and are
recommended by those they know and trust, and
Myself and the team here at Dublin Chamber we all know how powerful a recommendation is
spent a lot of time talking to your our members, when it comes to choosing a supplier. So I hope
making sure that our services to you were tailored you take advantage of the range of Chamber events
to respond to these business needs! With the help over the coming year to get valuable business for
of our sponsors – who I would like to sincerely your company and exploit the excellent personal
thank for their support – we continued to expand development opportunities that come from taking
our opportunities for you to do business, get part in the Chamber’s programme.
valuable business information and ensure that the
voice of Dublin business was heard positively in You can also do this very effectively virtually! Join
Government, both National and Local. our LinkedIn page to interact with 1,150 other
members, and to hear more about our lobbying
It has never been more important for companies for better business conditions, lower costs for
to be out in their market place representing their business, directly elected mayor for Dublin, better
business and making contact with potential infrastructure and a real commitment to the green
customers and clients. So in 2010 we focused on economy. Or simply join the 500 plus followers we
delivering networking opportunities, welcoming over have on Twitter.
12,500 attendees to 115 business specific events.
There were many opportunities for our members to We want to hear your voice, as we continue to
build their business’ profile and hear valuable engage with Central and Local Government and
information from a range of dynamic business other stakeholders to ensure that the Dublin City
and political speakers, including: Taoiseach Brian Region’s competitiveness and attractiveness is
Cowen, TD; Peter Sutherland; Tony Keohane assured and enhanced. In 2011, we can expect
(Tesco); Charles Butterworth (Vodafone); many positive projects to come on stream following
Enda Kenny, TD (Leader Fine Gael); intensive lobbying by your Chamber:

Enabling works for Metro North;

Integrated Ticketing on Dublin Bus and Luas

services by summer;

Broaden the application of the Business

Expansion Scheme to provide much needed
financial support for small business; and

The Dublin Airport Authority should submit a

new planning application for a second runway at
Dublin Airport.

Page 4
 Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Annual Report 2010

Chief Executive’s Address

We want to hear your voice,

as we continue to engage with
Central and Local Government
and other stakeholders to
ensure that the Dublin City
Region’s competitiveness and
attractiveness is assured and
enhanced.
Stay in touch with us as we lobby on these issues, and
on the issues of business costs and credit supply to
SMEs.

As a final note, I would like to sincerely thank each

one of you for your invaluable involvement and support
over the past twelve months. As a membership-based
organisation we rely on your time and effort to help us
successfully connect businesses and influence decision
makers.

Also thank you to all members of Council, Executive

and our sponsors; your active participation and
continued support helped to make 2010 another very
successful year for Dublin Chamber.

The Chamber team is your team! Work with us and

2011 will be even better for us all!

Gina Quin
Chief Executive

In January 2010 the Council of the Dublin Chamber

adopted a Code of Governance which is available
to all members of the Chamber, provides guidance
for the good governance of the Dublin Chamber of
Commerce and acts as a Code of Business Conduct
for the Chambers Council members and staff. I wish
to confirm that the Code of Governance has been Clockwise from top down:
complied with in all material respect during the 2010
year, with the exception of the circulation of minutes The Chief Executive and William Slattery, Executive Vice President,
of sub-committees, which, alternatively, have been State Street International Ireland Ltd.
made available to Council members on request. Going
Anne O’Leary, Director of Business & Enterprise, Vodafone Ireland;
forward in 2011, the minutes of all sub-committees the Chamber President; Peter O’Neill, General Manager, IBM Ireland;
will be circulated with the papers for Council meetings and the Chief Executive.
in accordance with the guidance of the Code of
Governance. Prof Peter Clinch, Special Economic Adviser to An Taoiseach Brian
Cowen TD; the Chief Executive; the Chamber President; Regina
Moran, CEO, Fujitsu; John Tierney, City Manager, Dublin City Council;
and John FitzGerald, Research Professor, the Economic and Social
Research Institute (ESRI).

Page 5
 Infrastructure & Transport

Planning & Development

President’s Address

Financial Statements
Communications /PR

Corporate Partners
Local Government
Council Listing
CEO’s Report

Membership

Dublin Mayor

Staff Listing
Contents

Budget
D21
Council Listing

Council Member Title Organisation Attendance

Peter Brennan President EPS Consulting 10 of 10

Imelda Reynolds Vice-President Beauchamps Solicitors 10 of 10
Patrick Coveney Deputy Vice President Greencore 8 of 10
PJ Timmins Immediate Past President Clery & Co 10 of 10
Niall Feely Treasurer G4S Secure Solutions 8 of 10
Dermot Breen Executive Committee Tesco Ireland 5 of 10
John McGrane Executive Committee Ulster Bank Ireland Ltd 9 of 10

Laura Borlea President Junior Chambers Ireland 8 of 10

Grainne Byrne Managing Director gbc Public Relations Ltd 9 of 10
Greg Clarke Managing Director Digicom Ltd 8 of 10
Michele Connolly Partner KPMG 9 of 10
Fiona Cottell President North Dublin Chamber of Commerce 2 of 3
Gerry Breen Lord Mayor of Dublin Lord Mayor of Dublin 3 of 5
Theresa Daly Senior Channel Operations Director EMEA Microsoft 9 of 10
Sharon Daly Partner Matheson Ormsby Prentice 8 of 10
Alec Drew Managing Partner Baseline 9 of 10
Ciaran Ennis Head of Communications, Marketing & Corporate Affairs IBM Ireland Limited 7 of 10
Desmond Fahey Chief Executive Dublin Business Innovation Centre 9 of 10
Ronnie Feeney Regional Business Manager Bank of Ireland 10 of 10
Joanne Gillen Managing Director BID Management 8 of 9
Jack Golden Group HR Director CRH plc 8 of 10
Derry Gray Partner BDO Consulting 10 of 10
Paul Hallam Associate Director PM Group 7 of 9
Jacqueline Hall Managing Director Political Communications Limited 10 of 10
Mike Jones Group Business Development Director BAM Contractors 9 of 10
Gerry Killen Managing Director Global Scrap 10 of 10
Liam Kavanagh Managing Director The Irish Times Ltd 9 of 10
Tom McAleese Senior Director Alvarez and Marsal 10 of 10
Colm McDonnell Partner, Enterprise Risk Services Deloitte 9 of 10
Paul McGennis Managing Partner ByrneWallace 8 of 10
Regina Moran Chief Executive Fujitsu 7 of 10
Denise Moroney Managing Director Brand Dynamics 7 of 10
Declan Murphy Founder/CEO The Ecology Foundation 8 of 10
Martin Murphy Managing Director Hewlett – Packard Ireland Ltd 5 of 10
Brian Norton President Dublin Institute of Technology 6 of 10
David O’Halloran Director – Head of Business Development Willis 9 of 10
Tiarnan O’Mahoney Director Colloco Capital Markets 9 of 10
John O’Mahony Regional Director AIB Bank 9 of 10
David Pierce Director John Drew Company 8 of 10
Margaret Sweeney Chief Executive Postbank 7 of 10
Michael Somers Director National Treasury Management Agency 5 of 10
John Tierney City Manager Dublin City Council 6 of 10
David Wells Managing Director Acuity SOS IT Support 9 of 9

Page 6
Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Annual Report 2010

Membership Taskforce Report

As part of the focus for 2010, the taskforce

developed a multi-layered approach to engagement.
Dublin Chamber prioritised increased engagement with its members in 2010.
Following on from the retention strategy which was devised in 2009 after extensive
benchmarking and consultation, the Taskforce convened to identify opportunities to
improve engagement and grow our membership.

Embedding retention and customer care as a specific function in the Chamber was
a key focus and a new full time role was formalised within the Chamber team. The
new function concentrates on building engagement programmes for SMEs, monitoring
customer experience and value and active coordination of team retention efforts aimed
at all categories of membership. Additional resourcing for member special interest
groups and for member facilities at Clare Street were further initiatives from the
Taskforce to benefit Chamber members.

As part of the focus for 2010, the Taskforce developed a multi-layered approach to
engagement, addressing different functions in member companies to encourage active
involvement in Chamber activities and maximising member benefits.

Intrinsic to heightened member engagement is the need to continually improve our

communications. The Taskforce recommended a comprehensive communication
channels audit to include the Chamber’s website. The aim is to focus on clarity
and consistency of message throughout all channels and an upgraded look and
functionality. This will be completed in 2011 with input also from members’ own
feedback.

The events programme is also important to retention and attracting new members. The
Taskforce recommended the further leveraging of the programme, including priority
allocations to certain events to ensure maximum awareness of the strength of these
events.

Following conclusion of the work of the

Membership Taskforce, the executive team is
currently implementing its comprehensive action
recommendations for the benefit of all members.

Dublin Chamber of Commerce would like to thank

all the members of the Taskforce for their valued
contribution to our good work last year.

John McGrane
Chair, Membership Taskforce

Join our LinkedIn group to strengthen your

business connections in the region and beyond.
http://linkd.in/DublinChamber

Page 7
 Infrastructure & Transport

Planning & Development

Communications /PR
President’s Address

Financial Statements
Corporate Partners
Local Government
Council Listing
CEO’s Report

Membership

Dublin Mayor

Staff Listing
Contents

Budget
D21
Communications/PR Report

The Chamber has greatly strengthened its voice

with national and local politicians...

Dublin Chamber has sought to greatly improve It has been critical to ensure that the Dublin
the support it offers to members through a more Chamber voice stands out. To achieve this, the
streamlined and effective strategy for its influencing Chamber appointed the public relations company
and communications. Edelman as its advisors. There were two main
communication objectives for the year. The first
The Chamber has greatly strengthened its voice was to position the Dublin Chamber amongst
with national and local government by applying media, decision makers and the public as the
a structured approach to its influencing strategy. most respected, influential and authoritative voice
Through a process prioritisation followed by specific of Dublin business. The second objective was to
actions plans, the Chamber was able to better utilise promote the benefits of business networking and the
its time and resources. This more targeted approach services of the Dublin Chamber, particularly through
of issue management has been very effective in the Chamber’s extensive events calendar.
improving engagement with key decision makers
and the overall influence that the Chamber has had As a result of this revised communications
in 2010. This approach will continue to be applied approach, media coverage continued to increase
to further strengthen the Chamber voice in 2011. this year, with over a thousand media hits and
impressions. All press statements are based on
By having a clear focused voice that captures the policy positions derived from feedback directly from
sense of Dublin business, the Chamber is able to member companies and from the elected governing
engage in dialogue with Ministers, TDs, Councillors Council of the Dublin Chamber. We are greatly
and other senior officials. Notable successes include appreciative of the engagement and feedback that
the local commercial rates campaign, reform of we receive from all members.
the business expansion scheme for enterprise
investment, improving the efficiency of Dublin’s local Creating clearer lines of communications with
government structures and ensuring the continued members is essential for the Chamber to increase its
delivery of infrastructure in the City Region. In influence. The Chamber has continued to improve
particular, the Dublin Chamber has sought to the methods and means by which it facilitates a
engage more widely with elected representatives dialogue between members and with the Chamber.
from all Dublin’s four local authorities and all TDs In 2010, the Chamber launched its Facebook page
in County Dublin in an aim to foster a positive and delivered a series of business programmes with
debate about making Dublin a more attractive and City Channel. Now in its second year, the Chamber’s
competitive place to do business. LinkedIn group (http://linkd.in/DublinChamber) - a
business-oriented social networking site - grew to
Communications are an important part of the have over a thousand members, which has made
Chamber’s ability to influence key decision makers. the Chamber LinkedIn’s group the largest business
group in Dublin.

The Dublin Chamber’s ezine was re-designed and

a new delivery system was put in place. This year
the Chamber worked to improve the content of its
quarterly magazine Business Ireland, its newsletter
Dublin Business, and it’s Annual Membership
Directory. Expect further refinements in 2011.

Dermot Breen
Chair, Communications/PR

Page 8
Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Annual Report 2010
Infrastructure & Transport Taskforce Report
We will continue to encourage
Government to invest
In 2010 the taskforce focused on all of the major projects
that impact on city life, with attendees at our briefings
getting project specific presentations on the upgrade
of Dublin’s rail, bus and road network. In addition, the
taskforce also addressed individual member’s concerns
through the IFSC traffic forum.
We have seen some positives this year:
A Railway Order for most of Metro North was granted;
Terminal 2 opened;
The Oral Hearing for the DART Underground project
commenced;
The Clongriffin railway station opened, as did the
Dunboyne rail line;
Bus Eireann and Dublin Bus continued to upgrade
their networks;
The Marlborough Street Public Transport Bridge was
tendered; and
Phased testing of Integrated Ticketing is underway,
and Automatic Vehicle Location systems and
Real Time Passenger Information signage are
being rolled out.
However, the taskforce is disappointed
that the National Recovery Plan will
impact negatively on Transport21. DART
Underground is a clear example, with
Government now saying that it will not
be possible to deliver the tunnel element
of the project in the immediate period.
We are disappointed that this project will
not be delivered concurrently with Metro
North in the shortest timeframe possible.
In 2011, we - on your behalf - will
continue to engage with all of the
transport agencies and other stakeholders
to ensure that the city remains fully
accessible and open for business. We
will also continue to encourage Government to invest in vital
infrastructure that lays down the platform for future growth
and addresses the Dublin City Region’s infrastructure deficit.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the taskforce in
2010. Your engagement was most welcome and warmly
appreciated.
Mike Jones
Chair, Infrastructure & Transport Taskforce
Planning & Development Taskforce Report
We called for the plans to ensure the
city remains attractive for residents,
shoppers, visitors and workers.
Throughout 2010 the taskforce lobbied on your behalf
for greater integrated planning, height and density in
the ‘Dublin City Development Plan 2011-2017’ and
the ‘Regional Planning Guidelines for the Greater Dublin
Area 2010-2022’.
Through submissions, participation
at public meetings and individual
meetings with officials and Councillors,
we continuously called for the these
plans to focus fully on the business
agenda in terms of supporting
business activity and growth so
that existing jobs are supported and
employment generated. We also
called for the plans to ensure the
city remains attractive for residents,
shoppers, visitors and workers.
Our message was clear: These
plans must allow height and density
in certain areas to ensure there is
appropriate office space to make it easy for companies
to invest in the city; and, they must fully manage the
wide-spread physical disruption that will take place
over the next few years as major projects are delivered
in the Dublin City Region (i.e. Metro North, upgrading
Dublin’s water supply etc). We were pleased that the
taskforce’s efforts impacted positively on the debate on
higher density for office development in the inner city,
resulting in an upward move from 6 to 7 storeys.
I would like to sincerely thank
each member of the taskforce
who gave so generously of
their time and expertise. Your
participation will help ensure
that the Dublin City Region
remains an attractive location
for inward investment and jobs
out to 2022 and beyond.
Paul Hallam
Chair, Planning & Development
Taskforce
Page 9
 Infrastructure & Transport

Planning & Development

Communications /PR
President’s Address

Local Government

Financial Statements
Corporate Partners
Council Listing

Dublin Mayor
CEO’s Report

Membership

Staff Listing
Contents

Budget
D21
D21 Taskforce Report Budget Taskforce Report

Dublin Chamber is committed We will continue to encourage

to the long-term development of Government to invest
the City Region.
The number of cities with a population in excess Dublin Chamber made a submission to the Minister
of 1 million has grown from 20, a century ago, to for Finance in October, following a number of
more than 450 today. By 2050, nine out of every meetings of the Taskforce over the summer, and
ten people in developed economies are expected to including a lengthy meeting with senior figures in
live in cities. In parallel with the growth in cities, the Department of Finance.
there has been an appreciable transformation in the
nature of commerce. Global trade now accounts for As the President stated in his opening address
two thirds of all trade. Globally integrated service in this annual report, the economy has been the
companies are locating activities where human and dominant issue on Council’s agenda throughout
physical capital is located and these are in cities. As the year. The Chamber is widely representative of
a consequence, cities have become key drivers of businesses from all sectors, which adds value to
national economic growth. our submission but makes the process that bit more
difficult.
For this reason, Dublin Chamber has undertaken
this project to prepare a long-term strategic In July, Dublin Chamber began its process of
economic recovery programme for Dublin City influencing the Budget and continued its call
Region, which was entitled D21. The key initial on Government to put forward a multi-year plan
findings show how competitive differentiation is outlining how Ireland would achieve the necessary
shifting from traditional drivers to the ability of a city correction in the public finances. We, therefore,
region to create and absorb skills and innovation. welcomed the Government’s National Recovery Plan
as it provides greater certainty to businesses and
As part of the work programme, the Chamber’s large consumers domestically, as well as to international
multinational companies were consulted to compare investors.
the findings from the research collected versus the
experiences of actual decision makers. The work In the 2010 Budget Submission, Dublin Chamber
of this project is ongoing and has informed the sought a balance set of measures to support SMEs
Chamber’s work in a number of areas. in particular, including exporting firms and those
selling into the domestic market. Some successes to
Dublin Chamber is committed to the long- note include the broadening of the 15 day prompt
term development of the City Region. This payment to “the wider public sector” and the
can only be realised as a consequence of the improvements to the Business Expansion Scheme.
development of a comprehensive strategy Dublin Chamber welcomed the Government
for the Dublin City Region which takes an commitment to ensure that the balance of the fiscal
integrated and holistic view of the city. At correction is through reduced expenditure rather
present, no such strategy exists, nor is there than increased taxation and the reassurance that
any single entity charged with developing the 12.5% corporate tax rate remains. We expect
one. Through this project we will seek to that the proposal for a
identify some of the elements that must be reduction in the airport
considered in any such strategy. tax will provide a strong
stimulus to the tourism
Ciaran Ennis sector in 2011.
Chair, D21 Taskforce
I wish to thank all
the members of the
taskforce for their
assistance.

Colm McDonnell
Chair, Budget Taskforce

Page 10
Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Annual Report 2010
Dublin Mayor Taskforce Report
Dublin Chamber continues to
support the concept of a directly
elected Mayor for Dublin
Government needs to pioneer a radical reform of local
government that results in the Dublin City Region having
a strong leader and governing structure to successfully
guide its development as the engine of growth for the Irish
economy.
The taskforce was please to see some key developments
occurring in 2010, with the publication of the Mayoral
legislation and the findings of the Local Government
Efficiency Review Group. However, progress and
implementation have been disappointingly slow.
Delegations from the Chamber met frequently with Minister
Gormley, his officials and opposition parties throughout
the year to discuss amendments to the legislation as it
progressed through the various stages of drafting.
However, we are disappointed that the current draft of the
Mayoral legislation is, we believe, not yet strong enough
to ensure that the directly elected Mayor for Dublin will be
effective and have the power to drive real change, including:
control over Local Authority budgets;
specific, identified powers to drive the Dublin economy;
and
the power to implement efficiencies in the four local
authorities.
Dublin Chamber continues to support the concept of a
directly elected Mayor for Dublin, but on your behalf in
2011 we will only support legislation that clearly shows
how the Mayor will drive real change and make a tangible
positive difference to the lives of Dubliners and to the
cost base of local businesses. We will not support the
introduction of an additional layer of bureaucracy in our local
government structure.
Michele Connolly
Chair, Dublin Mayor Taskforce
Local Government Efficiency Taskforce Report
Dublin Chamber will continue its
campaign for further reductions in
local business charges
The Dublin Chamber successfully championed the need
for a review of local government spending in its Budget
submission in 2009. The Local Government Efficiency
Review Group met, under the auspices of the Minister for
the Environment and reported in 2010.
The Local Efficiency Review Taskforce
prepared a comprehensive report, using
international evidence, in which it
identified a number of means by which
the cost of local Government could be
reduced. The report recommended that
local authorities undertake a full audit of
range of services they deliver and how
these services might be delivered in
future. It identified a number of areas
where outsourcing or a shared services
model could be introduced immediately
leading to cost savings that should be
passed on to ratepayers.
Dublin Chamber possesses the skills to develop these
service models to assist the 4 Dublin Councils drive
these efficiencies, as members have been forced to drive
efficiencies in their own businesses.
A more efficient local government means better service
and lower costs. At present, businesses fund the bulk
of local authority spending in Dublin. Dublin Chamber
undertook a vigorous campaign with the officials and public
representatives in the four Dublin local authorities – Dublin
City, Fingal, South Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown
– to reduce commercial rates and charges. As a result of
our campaign, Fingal and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown county
councils reduced commercial rates by 2% in 2011 and
Dublin City and South Dublin County councils made more
modest reductions of 0.6%.
Dublin Chamber will continue its campaign for further
reductions in local business charges and commercial rates,
supporting the implementation of the recommendations
of the Local Government Efficiency Review Group. In
recognition of our role in this area Gina Quin, Dublin
Chamber CEO, was recently appointed to the Independent
Group to Review the Staffing Complement and Number of
Senior Managers in Dublin City Council.
Derry Gray
Chair, Local Government Efficiency Taskforce
Page 11
 Contents

President’s Address

CEO’s Report

Council Listing

Membership

Communications /PR

Infrastructure & Transport

Planning & Development

D21

Budget
Dublin Chamber would like to thank our Corporate

Dublin Mayor
Partners for their continued support and engagement.

Local Government

Corporate Partners

Financial Statements

Staff Listing
Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Annual Report 2010

Corporate Partners

Glen Dimplex Group

Dell Perot Systems
Procter & Gamble
Manufacturing Ireland Ltd
The Irish Dairy Board

Page 13
 Infrastructure & Transport

Planning & Development

Financial Statements
Communications /PR
President’s Address

Corporate Partners
Local Government
Council Listing

Dublin Mayor
CEO’s Report

Membership

Staff Listing
Contents

Budget
D21
Income and Expenditure Account

As at 31st October 2010

2010 2009
€ €

Income
Subscriptions 1,232,630 1,330,052
Export documentation 283,408 264,269
Membership services (net of direct costs) 344,517 399,529

1,860,555 1,993,850

Expenditure
Staff costs (net of allocation to membership services 1,048,743 1,146,620
and promotion and public relations)
Promotion and public relations 192,613 118,147
Financial and administration expenses 143,313 176,726
Establishment costs 139,328 140,943
Depreciation 128,944 124,561

1,652,941 1,706,997

Net surplus 207,614 286,853
Interest income 24,817 20,386

Net surplus on ordinary activities before taxation 232,431 307,239
Corporation tax on interest income (5,755) (5,700)

Net surplus on ordinary activities after taxation 226,676 301,539

Accumulated surplus
Surplus in the year 226,676 301,539
At beginning of year 1,400,039 1,098,500

At end of year 1,626,715 1,400,039

The surplus on a historical cost basis would be greater for the year to 31 October 2010 by
€€37,514 (2009 €€37,514) due solely to the charge for depreciation on the revalued amount
included in land and buildings.

The company has no recognised gains or losses other that the result for the year as set out
above.

On behalf of Council

Peter Brennan President

Imelda Reynolds Vice-President

Page 14
Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Annual Report 2010

Financial Statements

Balance Sheet

As at 31st October 2010

2010 2009
€ €

Current assets
Debtors 315,631 438,664
Bank and cash carnet deposits 422,136 250,166
other 1,604,366 1,231,747
2,342,133 1,920,577

Current liabilities
Creditors (367,523) (443,824)
Carnet deposits (422,136) (250,166)

Net current assets 1,552,474 1,226,587

Fixed assets 2,603,237 2,672,258

4,155,711 3,898,845

Represented by:
Capital reserve 1,875,742 1,875,742
Accumulated surplus 1,626,715 1,400,039

3,502,457 3,275,781

Income received in advance 653,254 623,064

4,155,711 3,898,845

On behalf of Council

Peter Brennan President

Imelda Reynolds Vice-President

Page 15
 Infrastructure & Transport

Planning & Development

Financial Statements
Communications /PR
President’s Address

Corporate Partners
Local Government
Council Listing

Dublin Mayor
CEO’s Report

Membership

Staff Listing
Contents

Budget
D21
Gina Quin Sandra Farrell Michelle Berry Joanne Doran Kay Gibbons Ruth Edwards
Chief Executive PA to Chief Executive Finance Manager Finance Assistant Credit Controller Receptionist /Administrator

Aebhric McGibney Patrick King Catherine McCabe Linda McNulty Marion Jammet
Director of Policy and Policy and Communications Policy and Communications International Manager Enterprise Europe Network
Communications Manager Executive Executive

Jean Hoey Aideen Ryan Nicole Doherty Donal Milton Paul O’Neill
Director of Membership Membership Development Membership Development Membership Development Member Relations Manager
Development Manager Executive

Ciara Duncan Maire Walsh Richard Brown Ruth Spain

Events Manager Events Executive Export Services Manager Export Services Executive

Page 16
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Dublin Chamber of Commerce

7 Clare Street, Dublin 2
Tel (+353-1) 6447200
Email info@dublinchamber.ie
www.dublinchamber.ie

Our Customer Care team is

there to help you get the most
from your membership
call Paul O’Neill on 644 7242.