TWICE THE SIZE - DIT Update - Dublin Institute of Technology

SCENARIO 3: The Loud Voices (National scenario: THE FRAGILITY OF MÉ FÉIN)
Business Improvement District Blog for Letterkenny
The year is 2030 and there is a transition in the national economy which is reflected in the local
economy of the Northwest, particularly in Letterkenny, which has developed the concept of
Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). In 2007, cities had become too similar as global
commercial patterns became visible. Cities and towns were becoming competitive in ‘a race to
the bottom’, trying to attract footloose global business by offering the least restrictions on the
companies’ operations, low taxation and lax environmental laws. 2010 became the year that
Letterkenny took measures to improve how they looked. It took on the aims and aspirations of
the Business Improvement District (BID). BIDs are characterised by having their own quasi
governments and are defined by the services they provide.
The Letterkenny district and a number of major organisations in this area, Bank of Ireland,
Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Dunnes Stores/Tesco, realised a partnership with the local
government and made a very clear and transparent agreement that the local council would
provide some oversight authority otherwise Letterkenny BID controlled the purse strings and
provided the best services possible, available to everyone. The Letterkenny BID branched out
into economic and community development activities that enhanced the quality of life of the
entire neighbourhoods, a goal which ultimately brought benefits both locally and on a more
regional level.
One of the outcomes was a blog which captures people’s thoughts and comments about
Letterkenny’s business improvement district, challenging and optimising city centre
revitalisation and demonstrating urban life in all its glory.
Tuesday, November 27 th 2030
Is there light at the end of this tunnel?
Earlier posts have examined the continuing controversy around Iarnrod Eireann’s plans to route
the extension of the Galway-Letterkenny route through the south end of the new town centre.
The route through this area is part of a larger plan, developed in 2010, to extend commuter rail
service between neighbouring urban areas of Donegal town and Letterkenny to boost jobs,
transport, investment and housing. This extension was originally scheduled to be finished in
2025 but has been delayed again until early 2031. This is due to people opposing the plans
because they believe it will lead to an increase in urban sprawl and the environmental
landscape around the town will go into decline as well as effect local businesses in a
detrimental fashion. An example of this can be seen with the closure of Bertie’s Barbers on
Pearse St. Forced to relocate because new tracks were going down through his old building, the
business found it difficult to cater for its client base as well as attract new customers in its new
location. Fear is in the air as businesses set to throw a punch in terms of relocating and profit
loss. Those opposing the extension through the town, have also called for an extended public
187