Dublin City Council has completed the opening phase of public consultation and stakeholder engagement on the future of George's Dock, reporting strong backing for transforming the site into a recreational destination for residents, workers and visitors.

The process received 2,059 public submissions and involved approximately 100 participants representing 55 organisations.

Recreation emerged as the favoured option, with 70% of respondents selecting it as their preferred future use for the Docklands landmark. Water-based activities and broader leisure amenities featured prominently in the feedback.

Stakeholders highlighted core principles to guide any development, including accessibility, inclusion, sustainability, community benefit, year-round activation, and the enhancement of George's Dock as a welcoming public space that contributes to the wider Docklands while respecting its maritime heritage. The Lord Mayor of Dublin Darryl Barron, said: "I want to thank everyone who took part in the consultation and stakeholder engagement process. The strong response highlights the importance of George's Dock to Dubliners and the future of the Docklands. The feedback shows clear support for developing George's Dock as a high-quality recreational amenity for residents, workers and visitors. As the project moves to the next phase, these views will help shape future decisions to ensure George's Dock delivers lasting public benefit."

Richard Shakespeare, Chief Executive of Dublin City Council, said: "The strong level of engagement in this consultation demonstrates how important George's Dock is to people across the city. The feedback provides a clear foundation for the next phase of work and highlights a strong appetite for a recreational destination that is accessible, inclusive and welcoming. As we move into the appraisal and planning phase, we will continue to consider the views of residents, businesses and stakeholders to identify a long-term use for George's Dock that delivers lasting public value and supports the continued development of the Docklands."

No preferred long-term development option has been selected yet. The next phase will examine feasibility, funding requirements, governance arrangements and delivery pathways.

As restoration works conclude, the Council plans to keep the site active through temporary uses, pilot initiatives and other meanwhile opportunities to animate the space and inform long-term decisions.

Dublin City Council's objective remains to identify a future use that delivers public value, supports regeneration goals and is operationally and financially sustainable over the long term.