What's the Story, Dublin?

We speak to Andrew Devonport on the role our City Architects office in creating liveability and an attractive and sustainable built environment.
City Architects is a Division within the Housing and Community Services Department, providing architectural,urban design and conservation services on a cross-departmental basis.
The Team also provide strategic architectural advice in relation to the Council’s vision for the future of Dublin. City Architects has particular expertise in housing design, sustainable building construction, urban design and architectural conservation. The Division also includes the Dangerous Buildings section. Greening spaces and accessibility are also priorities for City Architects.
This podcast was recorded in May 2026.
Graphics are by John Stone.
Music: ‘The Right Direction’ by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

Cities are complex places with many stakeholders required to create a thriving and vibrant urban environment. Dublin's city co-ordination office helps to align the various businesses and organisations vested in the city's success.
On today’s episode, we talk to the Head of the City Co-Ordination Office, Karl Mitchell, about what his work entails. City co-ordination is a relatively new office that emerged during the pandemic to encourage the public to come outside and engage with Dublin city again.
City co-ordination brings together communities and workforces in emergency services hospitality, commercial areas and more. We discuss safety in Dublin and upcoming changes and developments to different streets and regions that will have a revitalising impact on the city centre. The Taoiseach’sTaskforce also gets a look in.
This podcast was recorded in May 2026.
Graphics are by John Stone.
Music: ‘The Right Direction’ by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

What’s beneath Dublin’s streets? More than you think…
In the latest episode of What’s the Story? Dublin, host Michael Ryan speaks with City Archaeologist Ruth Johnston about uncovering the hidden history of our city — from Viking settlements to medieval treasures.
One standout moment? The discovery of a Viking burial — the first uncovered in Dublin in over 70 years — found just metres from where people walk every day.
From protecting archaeology during modern development to revealing how Dublin’s past shapes its future, this episode offers a fascinating look at the stories beneath our feet.
This podcast was recorded in April 2026.
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?, brought to you by Dublin City Council, we sit down with John Stack from the Nature-Based Surface Water Projects Unit to explore how the city is working to improve the health of its rivers. John explains the impact of the EU Water Framework Directive and outlines the challenges facing seven of Dublin’s key waterways — including the Liffey and Dodder — which are currently experiencing poor water quality.
He discusses the main pressures on urban rivers, from polluted runoff to plumbing misconnections, and highlights the innovative Rainscapes project in the Santry catchment. Using nature-based solutions like swales and rain gardens, the project is helping to capture and clean rainwater while reducing flood risk. It’s a conversation about sustainable urban design, shared responsibility, and how collaboration across communities, businesses, and public bodies can help restore Dublin’s rivers for the future.
Recorded in April 2026. Graphics by John Stone.
Music: ‘The Right Direction’ by Shane Ivers ⁠https://www.silvermansound.com⁠
For 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 sit down with Ray Yeates, Dublin’s City Arts Officer, to explore how the arts shape the life of the city. Ray talks about the role of the Arts Office as “an opportunity maker… a developmental job” and explains how Dublin supports practitioners, participants and audiences across every art form — from theatre and visual arts to circus, film and dance.
He reflects on his 30‑year theatre background, the growth of Culture Night, the challenge of creating new audiences, and major cultural projects transforming the city — including new artist studios, public art, and emerging creative spaces. It’s a conversation about why creativity matters, how it builds community, and what’s coming next for Dublin’s cultural landscape.
Recorded in April 2026.Graphics by John Stone.Music: ‘The Right Direction’ by Shane Ivers — https://www.silvermansound.com
For updates from Dublin City Council, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter, or visit dublincity.ie.