Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Fingal are set to receive a significant boost with the announcement of a new community-focused advertising initiative by daa, the operator of Dublin Airport. The new programme underscores daa’s commitment to fostering a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with local businesses in North County Dublin.
The proposal is included in a planning permission application to Fingal County Council to install new and replacement advertising displays on 27 airbridges at Piers 3 and 4 at Dublin Airport. Commercial advertising installations and display boards are common features of airside buildings and airbridges, not only at Dublin Airport but across Europe and around the world.
Subject to planning permission being granted, the new programme will be implemented through several key initiatives which will include:
Discounted Advertising Rates: daa will offer significant discounts on advertising spaces within Dublin Airport to local SMEs, making it more affordable for them to reach a wider audience.
Advertising Grants: Grants will be provided to SMEs to cover the costs of advertising at Dublin Airport, ensuring that even the smallest businesses can benefit from increased exposure.
Promotional Campaigns: daa will collaborate with local SMEs to create joint promotional campaigns that highlight the unique products and services available in the region, driving interest and sales.
Digital Advertising Support: Bursaries will be offered specifically for digital advertising platforms within Dublin Airport, such as screens and interactive kiosks, to help local businesses engage with tech-savvy travellers.
Training and Workshops: Training sessions and workshops will be provided for local businesses on effective advertising strategies and maximising the impact of their airport presence.
Vincent Harrison, Dublin Airport’s Chief Commercial and Development Officer, commented on the initiative: "We're really excited to launch this programme to support local SMEs in Fingal. By giving them access to national-level advertising platforms at Dublin Airport, we can help boost their visibility and drive local economic activity. This initiative gives us a brilliant opportunity to support local economic development, creating a win-win situation for growth and prosperity, and contributing positively to the economic vitality of the wider area. Should Fingal County Council grant planning permission for the proposed development, daa is ready and willing to work out the details of the schemes with the Fingal Local Economic Development Committee. By backing local businesses like this, we're creating a better future for everyone."
Anthony Cooney, CEO of Fingal Chamber, said: "Fingal Chamber is delighted to see daa's commitment to supporting local businesses through this innovative advertising initiative. By providing SMEs with access to national-level advertising platforms at Dublin Airport, daa is not only helping to boost their visibility but also fostering economic growth and development in our community. This initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration and the positive impact it can have on our local economy. We look forward to seeing the benefits this programme will bring to the businesses and people of Fingal."
To ensure this proposal is properly enshrined within the application, daa has committed to using its advertising portfolio to promote and support local economic development of SMEs to the value of 20% of the revenue achieved from the permitted airbridge advertising, with a minimum allocation of €50,000 per year for a 10-year period. After this period, the scheme will be reviewed to see how well it is working.
SMEs play a crucial role in the Fingal economy, with 8,286 enterprises employing 109,000 people in the county. Recognising the importance of these businesses as drivers of innovation and economic growth, daa welcomed the publication of the Future Fingal: An Economic Development Strategy in February last year which acknowledges the importance of mutual collaboration to foster and build economic development in the country.
