Proposed Renewal of Business Improvement District Scheme (B.I.D.) for Sandyford Business District

At the County Council meeting on the 14th November, 2016, the members agreed by resolution to establish a Business Improvement District scheme for the Sandyford Business District.  The scheme operated for a period of 5 years from the 1st January 2017 to 31st December, 2021.  The scheme was extended for a period of 5 years from 1st January, 2022 by resolution by the members at the County Council meeting held on 8th November, 2021.  The period of this scheme will expire on 31st December, 2026.

By letter dated 20th November, 2025, from Sandyford BID CLG t/a Sandyford Business District (the renewal Proponent), Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council was requested, in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Act 2006, to commence the process for the renewal of the Business Improvement District scheme for Sandyford Business District which was submitted. The Executive, having first satisfied itself that the proposed renewal scheme met all the requirements as set out in the legislation, gave public notice of the proposed scheme by way of public advertisement in the Irish Times on 12th February 2026, inviting submissions from the public regarding the proposed renewal of the scheme.

The proposal was available for public inspection and purchase from the 12th February, 2026 to the 13th March, 2026 in the Council Offices.  The renewal proposal was also available on the Council’s website.  Requests for submissions were also requested via social media.  The closing date for receipt of submissions was 5 p.m. on the 13th March, 2026.

Sandyford BID CLG t/a Sandyford Business District made a presentation on the renewal to the Dundrum Area Committee (Community, Culture, Housing, Economic, Planning & Parks Business) on the 23rd February, 2026.

By the deadline three submissions were received. Two were received via Citizen Space and one via email. These submissions have been examined by the executive and are detailed in the attached appendix.  The first submission is in relation to an unfinished building and the second is in relation a perceived lack of amenities.  The third submission is in relation to the Sandyford Urban Framework Plan. The individual was contacted and asked if it was intended for inclusion in submissions for the renewal of the Sandyford Business Improvement District or the Sandyford Urban Framework Plan. He has confirmed it is for inclusion in the submissions for this process.

The Local Government Act 2001 as amended by the Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Act 2006, S129E (6) requires that a report be prepared on the submissions made and that a copy of the report be furnished to the members.

All submissions have been made available to the proponent of the B.I.D. renewal as required by Section 129E(5) Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Act 2006.  Sandyford BID CLG t/a Sandyford Business District is obliged to consider the submissions before reverting to the local authority to confirm or withdraw the request to hold a plebiscite. 

Executive Response:

Having considered the submissions received, the Executive is not of the view that the B.I.D. renewal proposal is inconsistent with the interests of the local community.

Next Steps:

The B.I.D. renewal proponent may, not sooner than 60 days after the closing date for public submissions, confirm, in writing, the original request to proceed to a ratepayer plebiscite, in accordance with section 129F(2) of the Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Act 2006. 

A plebiscite to determine the level of support for the proposal among ratepayers of rateable property in the proposed Business Improvement District will then be arranged.

If a majority of the ratepayers who vote, are in favour of the implementation of a B.I.D. renewal scheme, a further report will be presented to the elected members, at which time the elected members will be asked to agree a resolution in respect of the B.I.D. renewal scheme.

The Executive proposes that the renewal scheme proceed to a plebiscite, subject to the receipt of a request from the B.I.D. renewal proponent to that effect.

Eamonn Magee, Acting Director of Finance