What's the Story, Dublin?

In this episode of What’s the Story, Dublin?, we speak to Reuben Hambakachere about his role as Integration Support Coordinator in Dublin City Council and the career path that led him there.The Local Authority Integration Team, or LAIT, works with refugees and others seeking international protection to help them integrate into communities and signposts them to additional means of support.Reuben explains how and why LAITs became a priority for DCC and other local authorities. We discuss the challenges of the work, including combatting misinformation, and its fulfilling aspects.This podcast was recorded on 16 December 2025. Graphics are by John Stone. Music: ‘The Right Direction’ by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Tá an-áthas orainn fáilte a chur roimh triúr ball foirne ón Aonad Forbartha Gaeilge i gComhairle Cathrach Bhaile Átha Cliath sa chlár seo de What’s the Story, Dublin?Tá comhrá idir an tOifigeach Forbartha Gaeilge agus beirt intéirneach ó scoil Fiontar in Ollscoil Chathair Bhaile Átha Cliath atá ag obair léi sa Chomhairle. Pléann siad a gcaidreamh leis an nGaeilge, a gcúlraí oibre agus ollscoile agus an obair a dhéantar san Aonad Forbartha Gaeilge.Rinneadh taifeadadh ar an bpodchraoladh seo ar an 18 Samhain 2025. Rinne John Stone na grafaicí. Ceol: ‘The Right Direction’ de chuid Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.comWe are delighted to welcome three staff members from the Irish Development Unit in DCC on this episode of What’s the Story, Dublin?The Irish Development Officer and two interns from the Fiontar school in Dublin City University who are working in the Council have a chat. They talk about their connection with the Irish language, their professional and academic backgrounds and the work they do in the Irish Development Unit.This podcast was recorded on 18 November 2025. Graphics are by John Stone. Music: ‘The Right Direction’ by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

We are delighted to be joined by Chief Executive of Dublin City Council Richard Shakespeare on this episode of What’s the Story, Dublin? as he reflects on the career path that led to his role and delves into his focus on ‘Getting the Basics Right’ as Chief Executive. Richard Shakespeare also describes what a Chief Executive actually does, including what his day-to-day looks like, and reflects on career highlights and challenges.He also tells us he loves most about his work and what his plans are for the future.This podcast was recorded on 26 November 2025. Graphics are by John Stone.Music: ‘The Right Direction’ by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

In this episode of What’s the Story, Dublin? we discuss the Area Offices of Dublin City Council. We look at why Dublin city is structured in this way and at services that locals can avail of from the Area Offices.Aoife Hannan tells us about her work in Community and Social Development and about Ballyfermot and Drimnagh, where she is based.Aoife also talks about challenges and future hopes for her role, as well as events we can expect to see in her Area Office.This podcast was recorded on 21 October 2025. Graphics are by John Stone.Music: ‘The Right Direction’ by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

There is a lot more to traffic management in Dublin citythan you would think, as this episode with Executive Manager of Traffic Brendan O’Brien reveals.Brendan speaks to us about how infrastructure, streetdesign, congestion etc. have factored into the historical layout of Dublin city, shaping how people live, work and travel there.He also talks about working with the public to make trafficand travel more accessible and efficient and reflects on how COVID-19 affected how people use and move around the city space.We also discuss exciting developments in technology inrelation to traffic management and public lighting, the challenges of parking in the city, about schools and traffic, and the latest on the Metrolink. The freephone number for the Traffic Management & Incident Centre is 1800 29 39 49.This podcast was recorded on 29 October 2025. Graphics areby John Stone.Music: ‘The Right Direction’ by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Jessica O’Donnell, who is the Head of Education at Hugh Lane Gallery, where she has worked for the past 25 years, joins us on the What’s the Story, Dublin? Podcast.We learn about the history of HLG and about the refurbishments that are currently in the works there.Their physical doors may be closed, but there is still lots happening at Hugh Lane Gallery through their offsite programme, which integrates education, walks, talks and more.Learn about how you can participate and about upcoming events from HLG in today’s episode.This podcast was recorded on 4 November 2025. Graphics are by John Stone.Music: ‘The Right Direction’ by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

In this special, festive episode of What’s the Story, Dublin? we are joined by Tony Smithers, Head of Events & Filming Unit, as we look at some of the exciting events in Dublin city for Christmas 2025.Join us as we go behind-the-scenes of the Dublin CityCouncil Dublin Winter Lights, including a sneak peek at what’s new in this year’s edition.You’ll also learn about new initiatives like TwinkleTown inpartnership with Dublin City Council, the Santo Panto, and the Dublin City Council TwinkleTrail.There is also an exciting opportunity for children to getinvolved with the Dublin Winter Lights as they are invited to enter an art competition, the closing date of which is 21 November 2025. Visit dublinwinterlights.ie for more information.

What is the Dublin City Council Culture Company, and in what ways has it contributed to culture and the arts in Dublin City?Iseult Dunne, who is CEO at Dublin City Council Culture Company, and Linda Devlin, who is Director of Creative Engagement at Dublin City Council Culture Company, answers these questions and more.We discuss the many activities and initiatives launched by Dublin City Council Culture Company in its run to date, including what’s going on 14 Henrietta Street and Richmond Barracks, two popular, historical sites that the company runs.This podcast was recorded on 30 July 2025. Graphics are by John Stone.Music: ‘The Right Direction’ by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Have you ever wondered what exactly an Assistant Chief Executive does and what are they responsible for?In this latest episode of What’s the Story, Dublin? The Official Dublin City Council, we’re looking at this role of the ACE. Assistant Chief Executive Aidan Blighe tells us about the career path and variety of work experience he draws from in his current role. He also discusses the key qualities needed to be an effective ACE.This podcast was recorded on 6 August 2025. Graphics are by John Stone.Music: ‘The Right Direction’ by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

A huge amount of work and organisation goes into keeping the streets of Dublin city clean.In today’s What’s the Story, Dublin? episode, we’re lookingat Dublin City Council’s waste management services.Sid Daly, Public Domain Officer, talks to us about howrecycling in Dublin city works, the challenges DCC faces in the management of waste, and what you can do from home to look after your waste and recycle effectively.This podcast was recorded on 6 August 2025. Graphics are by John Stone.Music: ‘The Right Direction’ by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

In our latest episode of What's the Story, Dublin? The Official Dublin City Council Podcast, we’re looking at the Biodiversity Artist in Residence programme, which is funded by Creative Ireland under the Creative Climate Action Fund.The original goal of the residency was to challenge the way staff think about biodiversity and how it impacts their work and day-to-day activities – but what was accomplished, as we discuss, went far beyond that. We speak with both the current Biodiversity Artist inResidence, Louis Haugh, and Curator and Project Manager with Dublin City Council, Ruth Carroll, as part of the podcast.* Sabrina Dekker is head of the Dublin Metropolitan RegionalCARO officeThis podcast was recorded on 6 August 2025. Graphics are by John Stone.Music: ‘The Right Direction’ by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

What kind of activities is Comhairle na nÓg (Youth Council) involved with and how can young people get involved?In this latest episode of What’s the Story, Dublin? we’re speaking with 14-year-old Chairperson Aaron Kiernan about the history of the Comhairle, the issues explored by its young members, and the benefits of participating.This podcast was recorded on 12 September 2025. Graphics are by John Stone.Music: ‘The Right Direction’ by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

The Dublin Festival of History is an annual free festival,brought to you by Dublin City Council and organised by Dublin City Libraries, in partnership with the Dublin City Council Culture Company.Now in its thirteenth year, the 2025 festival will run from26th September to 12th October, and there are so many events to look forward.We speak with Festival Founder and Deputy City Librarian Brendan Teeling about the legacy of Dublin Festival of History and what makes it so special.This podcast was recorded on 27 August 2025. Graphics are by John Stone.Music: ‘The Right Direction’ by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Welcome back for season 2 of What’s the Story, Dublin?In this first episode of the latest season of the officialDublin City Council podcast, we’re deep diving into the work of Dublin Fire Brigade.Assistant Chief Fire Officer Greg O’Dwyer speaks to us abouta variety of aspects related to the DFB, including the wide variety of services provided by them, how the Brigade began over 100 years ago, and how modern technology has shaped their work.We also discuss what qualities you need to work for Dublin Fire Brigade.This podcast was recorded on 6 August 2025. Graphics are by John Stone.Music: ‘The Right Direction’ by Shane Ivers -https://www.silvermansound.com

In this special bonus episode of What’s the Story, Dublin?, we talk about the night-time economy and what makes Dublin night life different to its national and international counterparts.We discuss Ray O’Donoghue’s role as Night-Time Economy Advisor, including the factors that led to his position, and how he manages the balance of providing fun and entertainment while also prioritising safety and welfare.We talk about various late-night economy initiatives launched by Dublin City Council, such as the Nee-Naw, aka the Dublin Night Help Zone, and what Dublin’s night owls can look forward to next.This podcast was recorded on 8 July 2025. Graphics are by John Stone.Music: ‘The Right Direction’ by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.comFor all the latest updates from Dublin City Council, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter, or visit dublincity.ie

How far back does the Lord Mayor of Dublin role go? What changes have there been to the position over the years? What does the Lord Mayor do on a day-to-day basis? And where can we see the work of the Lord Mayor around Dublin City?In this special bonus episode of What’s the Story, Dublin? The Official Dublin City Council Podcast, The Lord Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain tells us all this and more. As her time in office draws to a close, she reflects on her time as Lord Mayor and offers advice for future budding Lord Mayors.This podcast was recorded on 19 June 2025. Graphics are by John Stone.Music: ‘The Right Direction’ by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.comFor all the latest updates from Dublin City Council, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter, or visit dublincity.ie

In this episode of What’s the Story, Dublin?, brought to youby Dublin City Council, we take a look at the Local Enterprise Office of Dublin City, aka LEO.As Grainne Denning, who is the Senior Enterprise Development Officer of LEO, tells us, the Local Enterprise Office is all about helping business to plan, start, sustain and grow.Discover the breadth of services offered by LEO, includinggrants, training, mentoring and counselling in this episode.We also hear success stories, about women in business and more.This podcast was recorded in October 2024. Graphics are byJohn Stone.Music: ‘The Right Direction’ by Shane Ivers- https://www.silvermansound.comFor all the latest updates from Dublin CityCouncil, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter, or visit dublincity.ie

In this episode of What’s the Story, Dublin?, brought to youby Dublin City Council, we take a look at Parks, or to give the department its full title, Parks, Biodiversity and Landscape Services.As the head of this department, Leslie Moore offers insighton the different types of parks and green spaces that characterise Dublin city, and the services that the council provides to maintain and develop them.We also discuss the importance of parks in terms of fosteringcommunity, connecting the public to nature, and efforts that have been made in terms of conservation and protecting the environment.This podcast was recorded in January 2025. Graphics are byJohn Stone.Music: ‘The Right Direction’ by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.comFor all the latest updates from Dublin City Council, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter, or visit dublincity.ie

In this episode of What’s the Story, Dublin?, brought to you by Dublin City Council, we take a look at Sports and Wellbeing in DCC.The over-arching goal of the Council’s DCSWP, or Dublin City Sport and Wellbeing Partnership, is to inspire everyone in Dublin city to participate in sport and physical activity regardless of age, background, gender or ability.Dublin City Council operates a variety of sports and fitness centres, offers training, organises events and more, with the emphasis being on participation and inclusion rather than competition. Sport and wellbeing can be transformative and we hope today’s episode will inspire you to participate too.This podcast was recorded in November 2024. Graphics are by John Stone.Music: ‘The Right Direction’ by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.comFor all the latest updates from Dublin City Council, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter, or visit dublincity.ie

In this episode of What’s the Story, Dublin?, brought to you by Dublin City Council, we take a look at Planning.There are over 4000 planning applications made annually in Dublin City so the Planning department of DCC is absolutely vital. In this episode, we define planning, explore the policies and legislation which informs planning in the city, and explain the planning application process.Other areas of planning that are discussed include planning exemptions, protected structures, and strategic planning. We also look at some of the big projects coming from the Planning department for 2025 and beyond.This podcast was recorded in November 2024. Graphics are by John Stone.Music: ‘The Right Direction’ by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.comFor all the latest updates from Dublin City Council, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter, or visit dublincity.ie