Cities generate vast volumes of data every second, from traffic flows and digital transactions to environmental sensors and social media activity. When responsibly aggregated and anonymised, this data holds immense potential to inform better urban policy and enhance quality of life.

Smart Dublin is a collaborative initiative led by Dublin’s four local authorities, in partnership with technology providers, academic institutions, and citizens. The programme was developed to future-proof the region by trialling, refining, and scaling innovations that address pressing city challenges such as integrated transport and sustainable development, public safety and civic engagement.

Explore case studies from Smart Dublin to see their work in action, or delve into the data for detailed insights into everything from noise levels to comprehensive lists of public art locations in Dublin.

Smart Docklands

The concentration of global tech leaders in Dublin’s Docklands, combined with advanced transport infrastructure, integrated smart technologies, and continuous urban development, has positioned the area as a prime environment for digital transformation and innovation-led growth.

In 2018, Dublin’s Docklands was designated as a Smart District, creating a real-world testbed where SMEs, entrepreneurs, researchers, and residents could collaborate on technology-driven urban solutions.

Its work is guided by six thematic pillars, Environment, People, Mobility, Economy, Government, and Living, which collectively drive the development of more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities.

The flagship Smart Docklands district established by Dublin City Council and CONNECT, the SFI Research Centre at Trinity College Dublin, has piloted groundbreaking technologies such as sensor-based flood detection, drone-enabled waste monitoring, AR/VR tools, and digital infrastructure. Acting as an ‘honest broker’ between government, academia, industry, and citizens, Smart Docklands identifies real-world urban challenges and tests scalable solutions that inform citywide policy and implementation.

Its success has led to the expansion of the Smart District model into new areas, including Smart DCU, Smart Sandyford, Smart D8, and Smart Balbriggan, each focused on solving distinct local challenges through collaborative innovation.

Whether you’re a resident, business leader, policymaker, or investor, Smart Dublin provides a unique platform to engage with the future of urban development for the benefit of all.