Building Stronger Communities in Dublin 8 with Civic Dollars
At the heart of Dublin 8, a quiet transformation is taking place—one that’s about more than just parks and technology.
Through the Civic Dollars initiative, we’ve seen firsthand how a simple idea—rewarding time spent in parks—can make a big difference in the lives of everyday people and their communities.
Take Aisling, for example, a young mother of two who lives near St. James's Linear Park. Before Civic Dollars, Aisling often felt isolated, especially during the pandemic when it was easy to get stuck indoors. The parks in her area were beautiful but underused, and getting the kids out for fresh air wasn’t always a priority. That changed when she downloaded the Civic Dollars app. Now, trips to the park have become a regular family routine, giving her kids the chance to explore while she earns Civic Dollars for simply spending time outdoors.
“Knowing that I’m earning something just by being here with the kids is amazing,”
- Aisling said with a smile.
“But it’s even better knowing that I can donate those Civic Dollars to support local groups who need it. I feel more connected to my community now.”
Aisling is not alone. The Civic Dollars initiative has brought people together in unexpected ways. Robert Emmet CDP, a community group supporting families around Bridgefoot Street, has been one of the main recipients of donated Civic Dollars. Thanks to these donations, they’ve been able to access vital services such as marketing and IT support, allowing them to reach more people and provide better support to their local community.
“We’ve been able to do so much more for our community because of the Civic Dollars donations,” said one staff member. “It’s heartwarming to see how many people are giving back. It shows that Dubliners care about each other.”
The initiative has also benefited people like John, a retiree with mobility issues. John is unable to walk long distances, but thanks to the Civic Dollars app, he can still participate simply by spending time in the park. Whether sitting on a bench or enjoying the fresh air, John earns Civic Dollars and has chosen to donate them to Solas Project, a group that works with young people in Dublin 8.
“It feels great to know I can still make a difference, even if I’m not as active as I used to be,” John shared. “I’m giving what I can, and it’s nice to know it’s helping young people in my neighbourhood.”
Since launching, the Civic Dollars initiative has registered 1,185 users, generating over 1,500 hours of park activity. More than 43% of Civic Dollars earned have been donated to local charities and community groups, helping to fund essential services for the Dublin 8 area. Participants have also reported issues they’ve come across in the parks, with three key problems flagged and addressed since the app’s introduction.
And while the data is impressive, it’s the stories behind these numbers that truly highlight the impact. From parents finding new ways to connect with their children, to older residents like John feeling a renewed sense of purpose, Civic Dollars is helping to make Dublin 8 not just a healthier place, but a more connected and caring one.
Looking Ahead
“In a city as large as Dublin, it’s easy to see how people can feel isolated. The Dublin 8 project was a wonderful example of how strong the sense of community is in even our biggest cities.
What stood out most was the desire and sense of achievement the participants got from donating their rewards to help others, how that gave them a renewed sense of purpose”
Stephen McPeake - Civic Dollars
As we continue this journey, we’re excited to see how Civic Dollars will keep inspiring people to take small steps—whether for their health, their neighbourhood, or their community—that add up to something much bigger.
