FAQs

WHAT IS A BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID)?

A BID is a defined area within which businesses pay a small contribution in order to fund projects within the BID’s boundaries. A BID is business-led and provides companies with the opportunity to have their say on the delivery of projects that will make a tangible difference to their business.

The BID model makes sure that everybody contributes to the governance and vision of their district. BIDs are business-led and provide the opportunity to influence the delivery of projects that will make significant improvements to the district to benefit companies, their employees and clients.

WHAT IS THE CORPORATE STRUCTURE OF THE BID?

The Sandyford BID CLG, trading as Sandyford Business District, was incorporated as a non-profit Limited Company and commenced trading on 1^st January 2017 for the purpose of implementing, managing, administering and renewing the BID scheme. The board comprises 10 business leaders from companies within the district and two representatives from Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, one member of the Management Team and one Councillor.

WHAT IS THE MISSION OF SANDYFORD BUSINESS DISTRICT?

To establish and promote the district as:

• a Smart Place to Work
• a World Class Destination in which to establish businesses, work and reside
• a Vibrant Community of Businesses and residents with a unique identity
• a Smart District where working, living and spending leisure time is appealing

WHAT ARE THE SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THE SANDYFORD BID?

The company aims to continue the development of a strong community among our businesses and residents by creating a clear sense of identity and place through focussing on:

1. Business Attraction: Indigenous & FDI Investment
2. Business Support: Information Seminars, Training, Business Networking & Social Events
3. Infrastructure: Environment, Mobility & Public Realm Amenities
4. Marketing: Branding, Communication & Promotion of the District
5. Smart Sandyford: Smart City, Technology and other Capital Projects & Improvements

HOW MUCH IS THE BID CONTRIBUTION?

The contribution is calculated at 3% of the annual rates bill* and the majority of businesses in the district, 69%, pay less than €500 per annum. (44% pay less than €250 per annum)

*The Formula is: Rateable Value of Property multiplied by BID Multiplier (0.005) = BID Levy

DO ALL BUSINESSES HAVE TO CONTRIBUTE?

Yes, all businesses/organisations that pay business rates for premises within the Sandyford BID are liable to pay the BID contribution during the five year term of the BID.

WHEN WILL WE VOTE AND HOW IS THE PLEBESCITE ORGANISED?

The plebiscite is organised by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. The Chief Executive will appoint a returning officer who will organise and oversee the voting and counting process. Each ratepayer as per the list of rateable properties will receive a ballot paper by post. The ratepayer can return the ballot by post or by placing it in the ballot box available in County Hall. The count takes place in the presence of An Cathaoirleach. The plebiscite is administered according to regulations published by the Minister of Environment in Statutory Instruments No. 166 of 2007. A Plebiscite takes place every 5 years.

WHEN WAS SANDYFORD BID ESTABLISHED?

The BID was established in January 2017 following the plebiscite held in October 2016 when the majority of the businesses in the Sandyford Business District voted in favour of a BID in a secret ballot (over 82%).Note: of those that vote, over 50% must vote in favour. Every business, no matter how big or small, has an equal vote.

CAN YOU GUARANTEE MY CONTRIBUTION WILL BE SPENT LOCALLY?

YES. The money does not go to Central Government. Funds are held by the BID Company made up of business representatives and are solely for projects agreed and voted for by the participating businesses.

DOES THE SANDYFORD BID REPLACE SERVICES BEING DELIVERED BY THE LOCAL AUTHORITY?

NO. Sandyford BID Company Limited by Guarantee does not deliver any services that are currently being delivered by the local authority. All projects and initiatives are delivered by the Sandyford BID are additional to the services provided by the local authority.

HOW IS THE BID COLLECTED?

All businesses in the Sandyford Business District receive the BID levy invoice on an annual basis at the start of each year. The BID levy is collected by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council on behalf of the Sandyford BID CLG and all BID levy payments are transferred to this company by the Council.

HOW CAN BUSINESS/ORGANISATIONS GET INVOLVED WITH THE BID?

The Chief Executive and board members regularly engage with businesses and other stakeholders to encourage their engagement in the company’s activities. Companies of all sizes and from as wide a variety of business sectors as possible are invited to get involved through membership of the Task Forces and individual steering groups established for specific projects.

In addition, as per clause 5.2 of the company’s constitution, all ratepayers of rateable property within the meaning of the Valuation Act 2001 and within the area described in the BID shall be entitled to become members of the Company at any time subsequent to 1st January 2017 upon application in writing to the Company Secretary at the registered office.