Dublin start-up commissioner duties move to Digital Hub and DCU

1 Mar 2017

Image: Luke Maxwell

After a two-year pilot project, the duties of the Dublin start-up commissioner are to be restructured.

The Digital Hub and Dublin City University (DCU) Ryan Academy are to take on the duties of the Dublin start-up commissioner.

The restructuring will involve The Digital Hub overseeing the continued operation of the Tech Concierge service, the monthly Brekkie event and the online publication of the Dublin Globe.

These services will continue to operate out of the offices on Custom House Quay.

‘This is an opportunity for The Digital Hub to build on the successful legacy of Niamh Bushnell’s work as start-up commissioner’
– FIACH MAC CONGHAIL

The DCU Ryan Academy will operate the successful Mentoring for Scale programme.

Dublin start-up commissioner’s office to be restructured

Dublin Start-up Commissioner’s duties to transfer to Digital Hub and DCU Ryan Academy

Outgoing Dublin commissioner for start-ups, Niamh Bushnell. Image: Connor McKenna

Dublin City Council CEO Owen Keegan paid tribute to outgoing commissioner Niamh Bushnell.

“The Office of the Dublin commissioner for start-ups was a very successful pilot project at a critical time for the Dublin economy,” Keegan said.

“As we reach the end of the pilot phase, I am delighted that The Digital Hub – as Ireland’s largest cluster of technology, internet and digital media companies – has agreed to oversee some of the strategic activities earmarked for ongoing development.

“May I also take this opportunity to thank Niamh Bushnell for her tremendous leadership and commitment during her time as the Dublin start-up commissioner. She has truly played a major part in putting Dublin on the map as a vibrant start-up tech community that is the envy of many cities around the world.”

Bushnell will vacate her role at the end of March.

She said she intends to continue to be involved in the Dublin start-up community and will lead the TechIreland project in the months ahead.

“My appointment was originally for a two-year period, therefore I am now stepping down as planned after two and a half years,” Bushnell said.

“Through our programmes, our advocacy … public voice and through our international projects, our office has succeeded on many levels.

“But this is a mission that continues, with the mantle now passing to The Digital Hub and DCU Ryan Academy, and I wish them well in their endeavours.”

The Digital Hub in Dublin 8 is enjoying a growth spurt, as it added 28 new businesses to its portfolio last year. Almost 100 companies are located in-house and nearly 725 people are directly employed across its sites.

“This is an opportunity for The Digital Hub to build on the successful legacy of Niamh Bushnell’s work as start-up commissioner,” said Fiach Mac Conghail, CEO of the tech hub.

“The Digital Hub is perfectly placed to continue these duties and to fully engage with the digital and technology community in Dublin. The Digital Hub also works very closely with Dublin City Council, who are represented on our board.”

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com