Dublin City may soon be dominated by smaller and independent cafes as the management lacks interest to lease for large chains
January 9 - 2025
Coffee Geography Magazine
Management at Dublin City Council would look at the possibility of issuing targeted adverts for café sites it owns so that small and independent business owners have a better opportunity to win rental contracts as the increasing number of large coffee companies being dominant in the city.
Sinn Féin councilor Anthony Connaghan and independent councilor Vincent Jackson supported the new move as chain cafés have frequently been awarded contracts for the sites, despite councilors previously voting to support local businesses.
Dublin City Council own and lease a number of coffee cabins and allocated café spaces around the parks and sports grounds in the city.
A vote was held last night to grant a three-year lease to The Tram Café Ltd, a chain of Irish coffee shops with seven existing locations in the Dublin city area, for a café space located in Johnstown Park in Glasnevin, Dublin 9.
Every councillor agreed to grant the contract to the café chain, for which the council will receive at least €24,500 for the lease. An optional two-year extension is included in the contract, costing an additional €18,000, at the discretion of another vote at a later date.
Before the contract was agreed, councilor Anthony Connaghan and independent councilor for Ballyfermot Vincent Jackson asked if it would be possible for the council to make it easier for independent vendors to get contracts.
“I don’t have an issue with granting the licence here,” Connaghan said, explaining that it has taken “several years” for the council to find a tenant for the site. He said, however, that councilors have previously voted to support local and community businesses.
Businesses must first respond to an expression of interest, or an advert, outlining their desire to lease the site from the council. Respondents that have proven track records at other locations and the relevant staff training and qualifications are often granted leases.
In return for the use of the site, a cheap, at-cost rent is charged by the council which will often cover services such as cleaning the on-site lavatories and general maintenance.