The Council is currently rolling out the delivery of its Economic Strategy which seeks to create up to 1,500 jobs per annum and to grow the local economy from €22bn to €28bn per annum, with a focus on the development of employment sectors, the development of employment space, investment in people and skills, as well as the development of sustainable, well-managed communities that offer a high quality of life; all of which will collectively support inward investment and job creation.

The development of Grange Castle Business Park remains a key focus of the Council's economic development programme. Progress continues on strategic projects including the redevelopment of the 12th Lock Studios and Grange Cottage buildings, which will create direct employment opportunities while enhancing the attractiveness of the business park and its wider environs. Construction has commenced on the 12th Lock Studios development, while works on Grange Cottage are due to commence shortly.

Previous investment by the Council in infrastructure, including the Grange Castle Access Road, has helped facilitate the establishment of two significant employers on lands within the wider Grange Castle area. The Council also continues to work closely with the IDA and utility providers to ensure that infrastructure is maintained and developed in line with the ongoing growth and expansion of the area.

In addition, SDCC is currently engaged in substantive discussions with four potential clients regarding opportunities within the business park. While it is too early to provide details, these discussions demonstrate the continued strong interest in Grange Castle as a location for investment and employment growth. 

More broadly, significant progress has been made in supporting enterprise development across the county. Work IQ currently has an occupancy level of approximately 65%, supporting 43 businesses, with employment within the centre increasing from 74 to 189 jobs. Waiting lists have already emerged for smaller office units, while medium-sized offices are expected to be fully allocated by year end. This demonstrates strong demand from start-ups and scaling SMEs and highlights the importance of maintaining a pipeline of suitable employment space across South Dublin. In addition to the development of Work IQ, the Council are advancing the development of a new enterprise centre in Adamstown, which when delivered will further support SME’s in the county.

Through the Local Enterprise Office, the Council has expanded its Business Support Fund with the introduction of four new schemes. These enhancements open funding opportunities to sectors, business types and geographic areas that would not previously have been eligible, ensuring that a broader range of enterprises can access support to invest, grow and create employment. The fund now supports initiatives including town and village activation, vacant unit reactivation, food business development and enterprise hubs, helping to stimulate economic activity and investment across the county. As part of South Dublin’s Local Enterprise Office financial grants, a total of 28 jobs has been created year to date, with potential for the creation of 130 jobs for those businesses supported over a three-year period.

The Council also continues to maintain a strong working relationship with South Dublin Chamber. A joint programme is currently underway to map businesses located within the county's industrial areas, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the business landscape, employment profile, growth potential and infrastructure requirements. This evidence-based approach will help inform future economic development initiatives and business supports.

In parallel, the Local Enterprise Development Plan has been developed to provide a coordinated framework for enterprise growth across the county. The plan aligns closely with both the Council's Economic Strategy and the Local Economic and Community Plan, ensuring a joined-up approach to supporting business development, investment attraction, job creation and sustainable economic growth.

Separately, Economic Development and Planning have commenced early-stage discussions on future employment land identification to ensure that long-term economic growth opportunities can be appropriately planned for and accommodated through future strategic planning processes. Together, these initiatives reflect a broad and proactive approach to strengthening South Dublin's economic base, supporting indigenous enterprise, attracting investment and creating employment opportunities across the county.