Mark Dearey highlights the need for national support for BID-type structures in Ireland as part of town centre recovery Putting Town Centres First

In this Episode, Alison speaks to Mark Dearey former Senator and LA Councillor, and current Chair of Dundalk Business Improvement District (BID). Mark speaks about his historic connection to, and passion for, Dundalk Town Centre, and his ongoing involvement in Dundalk BID. Mark discusses why BIDs are under-developed and under-supported in the Republic of Ireland compared to other EU Member States. The two speak about the Dundalk CTCHC Report (2019) and how it has helped by providing a quantitative and qualitative baseline analysis for the town centre in terms of vacancy rates, occupancy rates, footfall, and how residents feel about the town. Mark also highlights how the CTCHC process brought together people from different backgrounds, along with the observations from a Dutch Delegation of Provinces who visited for the Dundalk CTCHC Report’s ministerial launch.   

The two discuss the need to reuse existing building stock, the renovation wave in Europe, and the Bauhaus philosophy of sustainable urban living. 

 
Dundalk Town Centre Health Check




Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Act 2006




This podcast is supported by the Heritage Council.