Grow Dublin 8 is a consortium of local social enterprise stakeholders which exist to amplify the voice of our communities and promote awareness of social enterprise and their potential social impact on the radars of decision makers across our community sectors. We also carry out leading research to build the evidence base for local social enterprises as we are ideally placed having a diverse and strong grass-roots presence in our communities.

Dublin 8 area is located in south west Dublin city. It includes the Liberties and stretches as far as the Grand Canal to the south, and Inchicore and Kilmainham to the west. It has a population of 43,556 (according to census 2016) and like many city areas, includes areas of significant affluence as well as disadvantage. Dublin 8 attracts over three million visitors per year, making it a major tourism destination. The area has experienced significant development in the past few years, with plans for even more large-scale development. It is in this context that the Dublin 8 Consortium first came together in 2019. Its membership includes organisations with a strong history and track record in supporting social enterprise development in Dublin 8 and beyond. The members of the Consortium have long experience of collaborating in supporting and advancing the sector.

We believe that this strategy provides a strong basis for the further development of the social enterprise sector in Dublin 8. It is also timely, as the work of the Consortium has coincided with the launch of the National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland (2019-2022) by the Department of Rural and Community Development. The strategy aligns its actions with the three key objectives of the strategy. There are many opportunities for the development of the social enterprise sector in Dublin 8. We look forward to working with social enterprises, the Department of Rural and Community Development and a wide range of stakeholders in realising these opportunities. We support and reach out to and involve the local council, businesses, charities, consumers and budding social entrepreneurs – bringing them together to grow social enterprise within our communities.

Social enterprise activity in Dublin 8 includes community facilities, walking tours, education and arts initiatives, reuse-and recycling initiatives, food production and retail, social finance provision, incubation space for enterprises, and manufacturing.

• The consortium’s vision for social enterprise in Dublin 8 aim to build markets and support for social enterprises at a national and local level.
• Social enterprise in Dublin 8 will tackle disadvantage and contribute to a more equal and inclusive society.
• Dublin 8 will be a test-bed and hub for social enterprises – with flagship social enterprises that act as a model contributing to national and international good practice and policy.
• Dublin 8 will have a thriving, vibrant, and sustainable social enterprise sector.