Global Investigative Journalism Conference 2019, Ireland - Proposal to Host
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Proposal to Host the
Global Investigative Journalism
Conference 2019, Ireland.
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Table of Contents
1.0 About the Mary Raftery Journalism Fund ............................................................... 6
1.1 About Mary Raftery ..................................................................................................... 7
1.2 How the Mary Raftery Journalism Fund Operates ........................................................... 8
1.3 Our Approach to the Global Investigative Journalism Conference Bid ............................... 8
1.4 Our Proposed Local Conference Advisory Committee ...................................................... 9
2.0 Why Bring GIJC 2019 to Ireland? ......................................................................... 11
3.0 Fundraising, Sponsorship and Local Support ........................................................ 12
4.0 Organisational and Management Capacity ........................................................... 14
5.0 GIJC 2019 Venue Summary .................................................................................. 16
6.0 Advantages of holding the GIJC in Dublin ............................................................ 18
6.1 Getting to Dublin ....................................................................................................... 18
6.2 Getting Around Dublin City ......................................................................................... 19
6.3 Public Safety and Security .......................................................................................... 19
6.4 Visas ........................................................................................................................ 20
6.5 Currency and Costs ................................................................................................... 20
6.6 Accommodation – Range, Room Numbers and Average Cost ......................................... 21
7.0 Budget and Estimated Costs ................................................................................. 23
8.0 GIJC 2019 Focus and Structure ............................................................................ 24
8.1 Our Suggested Focus................................................................................................. 24
8.2 Delivering a bespoke and innovative programme of events ........................................... 26
8.3 Speakers .................................................................................................................. 26
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1.0 About the Mary Raftery Journalism Fund
The Mary Raftery Journalism Fund was established in September 2012 in memory of the campaigning journalist
Mary Raftery, whose pioneering investigative work uncovered serious abuses and scandals within Irish life.
The Mary Raftery Journalism Fund is the first, and only, organisation to support the practice of investigative
journalism in Ireland. The aim of the Fund is to promote good practice in ethical in-depth investigative
journalism on issues close to Mary’s heart and in the areas on which she focused her ground-breaking
investigative work.
The Fund offers an opportunity for journalists to carry out detailed investigations into public interest areas and
to expose any injustices and malpractice that might exist.
Against this backdrop, the Fund grants awards to journalists whose work serves the public interest and who
may not be otherwise funded. In addition, the Fund supports education initiatives and bursary schemes to
support the development of strong investigative journalism practice in younger journalists.
The Mary Raftery Journalism Fund is a member of the Global Investigative Journalism Network.
Since the Fund’s establishment, it has achieved the following:
Raised over a half-a-million euro in funding Supported 41 journalists to deliver 40
through donations from philanthropic investigative journalism projects through an
organisations (One Foundation and Tony Ryan annual investigative journalism competition. A
Trust); ongoing programme support from Ireland number of these projects have been recognised
public sector broadcaster (RTÉ); Broadcasting through prestigious awards.
Authority of Ireland; donations from individuals. Delivered the Mary Raftery Journalism Fund’s
Developed partnerships with key media inaugural bursary and mentoring programme in
organisations and institutions in the delivery of investigative journalism with The Irish Times in
programmes and initiatives, including with RTÉ; 2016. This saw a young journalist spend three
The Irish Times; Dublin City University and the months in the newsroom of The Irish Times,
Irish Film Institute. where he secured senior guidance in executing
a number of investigative journalism stories.
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Supported three journalists to participate in a Instigated a once-off journalism fund – in
prestigious investigative journalism programme conjunction with the Tony Ryan Foundation – to
run by the national broadcaster, RTÉ, and The explore the refugee crisis and how it relates to
Irish Times. Specific support was mobilised for Ireland. This fund is currently being rolled out.
one deaf participant. Delivered three annual public awareness raising
Implemented the highest standards in corporate programmes at the Irish Film Institute. These
governance through a structured board; annual seminars provided a unique opportunity for
auditing and timely annual reporting. attendees to watch relevant work and gain
insights into the challenges faced by experienced
journalists and documentary makers today and to
explore the potential of the digital environment.
1.1 About Mary Raftery
Mary Raftery was born in Dublin in December 1957. She joined RTÉ as a producer in 1984, working on a range
of current affairs programmes. She left RTÉ in 2002 to become a freelance television producer and journalist.
While at RTÉ, she produced the ‘States of Fear’ documentary series, broadcast in April and May 1999, which
detailed the shocking abuse suffered by children in reformatory and industrial schools between the 1930s and
the 1970s.
The series had a huge impact on the public and, even before the final instalment was broadcast, the then
Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister), Bertie Ahern issued a public apology to the victims of abuse in these
institutions. The subsequent establishment of the Ryan Commission and the Residential Institutions Redress
Board was largely as a result of Mary’s work. When the Ryan Commission Report was eventually published in
2009, it confirmed the findings of ‘States of Fear’.
In 2002, together with Mick Peelo, Mary produced ‘Cardinal Secrets’ for RTÉ, which examined the handling by
the Catholic Church of clerical sex abuse allegations in the Dublin diocese. Again, the programme had a huge
impact on public opinion and led to the Government’s decision to establish the Murphy Commission, which
reported in 2009.
Mary’s final television documentary, ‘Behind the Walls’, produced in 2011, examined the history of psychiatry
in Ireland. It established, amongst other things, that in the 1950s Ireland led the world in terms of the numbers
of people detained in psychiatric hospitals and that, on a per-capita basis, it was even ahead of the Soviet
Union.
Mary Raftery was a prolific journalist, with a huge appetite for work and a passion about the subjects she
covered. She wrote a regular column for The Irish Times between 2003 and 2007.
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1.2 How the Mary Raftery Journalism Fund Operates
The Mary Raftery Journalism Fund was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee without share capital
on 14th January 2014, with a registered office address at 80 Francis Street, Dublin 8, Ireland.
Corporate Governance
The company has four voluntary directors, none of whom are employed by The Mary Raftery Journalism Fund
or in receipt of any remuneration therefrom. The Mary Raftery Journalism Fund has committed to openness,
transparency and good corporate governance and has resolved, as a minimum, to adopt ICTR’s Statement of
Guiding Principles for Fundraising.
The board and advisory group are made up academics; media practitioners; writers; and family of Mary Raftery.
The board is chaired by Mary’s husband, David Waddell.
The role of DHR Communications
The work of the board and the administration of the Fund is supported at an operational and strategic level by
DHR Communications. DHR Communications operates services to the Fund on a not-for-profit basis, ensuring
only that – as far as possible – staff and overhead costs associated with running the Fund are covered. DHR’s
contribution to the Fund includes fund administration; marketing; board secretariat functions; strategic planning
and corporate governance management. DHR and the Fund work collaboratively, using a genuine partnership
approach.
DHR Communications is a full-service communications consultancy, operating primarily in the not-for-profit and
statutory sectors. The company has won a range of awards for its Corporate Social Responsibility practice.
The company works across public relations, project management, event management, strategic planning and
public affairs.
Outside of the Mary Raftery Journalism Fund, DHR’s client/projects include delivering the Simon Cumbers Media
Fund, on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs; working on advocacy campaigns with Irish Penal Reform
Trust; Irish Council for Civil Liberties; Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC) and Transparency International.
DHR has worked on ground-breaking international human rights cases before the European Court of Human
Rights and the Inter American Human Rights Commission. On an annual basis, the company delivers one of
Europe’s biggest programmes to mark Africa Day. This includes the delivery of an event in Dublin, which is
attended by up to 30,000 members of the public each year.
1.3 Our Approach to the Global Investigative Journalism Conference Bid
The Mary Raftery Journalism Fund will lead Ireland’s bid to host the Global Investigative Journalism Conference
in 2019. The Fund will be closely supported by our operational and strategic partner, DHR Communications.
In addition, a wider partnership has been established with a number of key agencies that will be critical in
providing financial and infrastructural support to the event. Our partnerships include:
Ireland’s statutory agency with responsibility for promoting leisure and business tourism, Fáilte Ireland:
As our primary partner, Fáilte Ireland will offer logistical and financial support to the execution of GIJC
2019.
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Ireland’s most eminent hub for media education, Dublin City University (DCU): DCU will collaborate
through providing GIJC 2019 with a state-of-the-art venue at a not-for-profit rate. This bid, and
resultant conference organisation, will also benefit from the academic and organisational resources
available at DCU.
The Mary Raftery Journalism Fund will also draw on support from other local, national and European agencies
in the delivery of GIJC: our strength is in collaboration and outreach.
The Mary Raftery Journalism Fund has established a conference advisory committee comprising of highly
experienced project and conference organisers; academics in the area of journalism; and practitioners. It is
chaired by the Secretary General of Ireland’s largest public sector trade union.
1.4 Our Proposed Local Conference Advisory Committee
Shay Cody (the agreed chair) is David Waddell is
the General Secretary of chairperson of the Mary
Ireland’s largest public sector Raftery Journalism Fund and
trade union. He sat as a member was Mary’s partner for 36
of the National Competitiveness years. He worked as a
Council for two terms and as a Senior Investigator with the
member of the National Economic and Social Council Irish Ombudsman and acted as secretary to the
for two terms. Shay was the chairperson of the Aer Standards in Public Office Commission, which
Lingus Employee Share Ownership Trust (14% of the polices Ireland’s ethics and electoral laws. He is a
company) and was a member of the Eircom qualified psychologist and barrister.
Employee Share Ownership Scheme Board (35% of
the company). Shay has also acted as the lead Sheila Ahern has worked
negotiator on the union side of multi-billion euro as a researcher for the past
value agreements with the Irish Government. 25 years, and has made a
significant contribution to
Fintan O’Toole is an award- some of the most influential
winning author, literary critic television programmes
and political commentator. He broadcast in Ireland. Concentrating on factual and
is currently an op-ed columnist historical content, much of Sheila’s work has
for The Irish Times. Fintan is focused on social issues that have highlighted
the former literary editor of fundamental flaws in Irish society. Sheila is a
The Irish Times and drama member of the Advisory Group of MRJF and also
critic for the New York Daily News. He has also adjudicates on the funds judging panel. She was a
written more than a dozen books. His awards include long-time collaborator with Mary Raftery and
the AT Cross Award for Supreme Contribution to Irish worked with her on numerous occasions. Having
Journalism, the European Press Prize for European worked with RTÉ from 1987 to 2000, Sheila now
Commentator of the Year and most recently, the works as a freelance researcher, writer and radio
Orwell Prize for Journalism, for his commentary on contributor. She holds a Master of Arts degree
the Brexit referendum. from University College Dublin, is an elected
member of the Board of the Crafts Council of
Ireland, and is currently an external assessor for
the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland’s ‘Sound and
Vision’ scheme.
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Lynda Reilly is the Catherine Heaney is the
Association Conference founder and Managing
Executive with the Dublin Director of DHR
Convention Bureau at Fáilte Communications. She has
Ireland and has been working considerable experience in
within the meetings, project management;
incentives, conferences, and events sector for over fundraising; corporate
10 years, having worked for the biggest and best governance and strategy development. She acts
venues in Dublin. Lynda is a customer-focused sales as Company Secretary to the Mary Raftery
and account management professional and enjoys Journalism Fund. Catherine is a trained journalist,
getting to know her clients, so that she can work with with postgraduate qualifications in law. She is an
them on their requirements and exceed all service alumna of Columbia University, New York, where
expectations. she has also taught. Through her professional and
personal life, Catherine has been involved in a
Sheila de Courcy has over range of human rights and advocacy campaigns in
the past 30 years produced, areas such as ex-judicial killings; reproductive
directed and commissioned rights and gender-based violence. Catherine is a
programmes of all types - strong believer in public service, and chairs the
from drama and current affairs board of the National Museum of Ireland and the
to arts, animation and Irish Government’s Forum on Corporate Social
entertainment – for TV, radio, Responsibility.
mobile and online in RTÉ, Ireland’s public service
broadcaster. Appointed Controller of RTÉjr and Cross Noel Curran was Managing
Divisional Head of Children’s Content in 2012, Sheila Director of RTÉ Television
currently leads RTÉ’s output for and engagement before becoming Director
with young people across all platforms. She is a General of in 2010.
regular contributor to national and international Overseeing RTÉ's substantial
media and digital conferences and has been involved commercial trading arms, he
in organising media-related conferences in Ireland for positioned RTÉ for digital transformation despite
over 20 years. Sheila is Vice Chair of the EBU Youth severe financial constraints. As an editor and
Experts Group and a member of the Irish Film producer, Noel's programming won numerous
Institute Board. awards for journalism and he was Executive
Producer on a range of live television events,
Dr Jane Suiter is Director of including the Eurovision Song Contest in 1997,
the Institute for Future Media general election coverage, live entertainment
and Journalism (FuJo) and series and factual programming. He is Adjunct
Associate Professor in the Professor of Journalism at Dublin City University.
School of Communications at
DCU. She is an expert on Dr Eoin O'Malley is an
communication, deliberation Associate Professor in
and participation and is Co-Principle Investigator on political science at the School
the Irish Citizen Assembly and a member of the of Law and Government,
ECPR standing group on Democratic Innovations, Dublin City University. There,
having also worked on other deliberative events he teaches politics and public
such as the Constitutional Convention and We the policy and is the Director of
Citizens. She is currently co-PI on an EPA project on the MSc. in Public Policy. He has authored over 40
climate change coverage in Irish media. articles in peer-review journals.
10 | P a g e2.0 Why Bring GIJC 2019 to Ireland?
Reputation of the host agency
The Mary Raftery Journalism Fund has a strong reputation, and builds on the reputation of the pioneering
journalist, Mary Raftery, in whose memory the fund was established. Against this strong backdrop, the
Fund will be the lead organisation in the delivery of the GIJC 2019.
Ireland’s strong culture of journalism:
Strong investigative journalism in Ireland has resulted in the exposure of some very significant problems
across social services, politics, the food industry and in economic planning.
The responses to these exposés have resulted in sweeping legislative reforms relating to areas such as
planning, banking regulation and the operation of our social services.
Ireland has one of the strongest rankings of public trust in media, particularly paid-for and public sector
broadcasting: 70% of Irish people believe that the media does a good job in helping to distinguish fact
from fiction, compared with 62% internationally (Source: Reuters Institute Digital New Report 2017).
Ireland ranks highly in the World Press Freedom Index: In 2017, Ireland ranked 14 out of 180 countries
examined. Ranking in Ireland has dropped (minus five) on 2016 because of increased consolidation of
media ownership, and because of persistent difficulty in accessing interviews from the State police.
Our Capacity Dublin as a location:
Together the Mary Raftery Journalism Fund, the The proposed venue, Dublin City University, is
event partners and advisory committee have a close to Dublin City Centre and Dublin
wealth of experience and capacity to: international airport.
Organise a stimulating conference. The conference facility is well serviced by a range
Deliver an efficient and excellently executed of public transport links.
event. In addition to accommodation at Dublin City
Mobilise partnerships and funding to deliver the University, Dublin offers a huge variety of
programme. accommodation for visitors: our proposed dates
Ireland has a strong international reputation and for the event represent the best value dates for
diaspora network: this would be leveraged in accommodation in Dublin.
mobilising funding, speakers and in marketing GIJC Dublin has a rich cultural offering encompassing
2019. heritage, arts, food and social events.
11 | P a g e3.0 Fundraising, Sponsorship and Local Support
This bid is led by the Mary Raftery Journalism Fund, and is being supported by Fáilte Ireland (The National
Tourism Development Authority), and the Dublin Convention Bureau.
Dublin City University, Ireland’s leading media and journalism education hub, is a primary partner in our bid,
and the University will offer its facilities at a not-for-profit rate, as well as allowing us to leverage the intelligence
and organisational capacity of its multi-disciplinary team in the delivery of GIJC 2019.
The Mary Raftery Journalism Fund is pleased to have the support of the Minster for Foreign Affairs and Trade,
Simon Coveney TD, for our bid as well as the support of the Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade. We will
be in a position to provide a letter of commitment from the Department in the coming days to state the same.
The Fund is also pleased to have the support of the Lord Mayor of Dublin for our bid. This critical support will
help us leverage partnerships for the delivery of non-programme events, including receptions and educational
activities for delegates while in Dublin.
The support of these offices and agencies is
fundamental to Ireland’s bid for GIJC 2019. However,
the Mary Raftery Journalism Fund knows that In delivering GIJC 2019, the Mary Raftery
collaboration is essential to success. Since we Journalism Fund will leverage our existing
established ourselves in 2012, we have developed partners and funders to support its execution.
collaborations and partnerships with a multitude of These agencies include:
agencies. These have enabled us to deliver an DHR Communications
extensive environment for investigative journalism in RTÉ (public service broadcaster)
Ireland. The Irish Times
Broadcasting Authority of Ireland
Beyond our existing partners, each member of our bid The Tony Ryan Foundation
team has specific links and contacts across the media, Irish Film Institute
academic, public sector, corporate sector and at a Private donors
political and Governmental level. Each member will
build capacity, awareness and collaborations in
delivering GIJC 2019.
12 | P a g ePartners in provision of social and networking opportunities outside the conference venue may include: the
Guinness Storehouse; National Museum of Ireland; Leinster House (national parliament); National Library of
Ireland; and Teeling’s Distillery.
Given Ireland’s strong standing across the globe – based on our significant diaspora population as well as our
strong diplomatic presence – the Mary Raftery Journalism Fund will leverage this network to assist with
mobilising speaker, sponsorship and collaborations. We will work with the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs
and Trade, through both its development aid programme and its human rights units, to procure speakers and
case studies. Furthermore, we will work with Ireland’s diplomatic representation to procure and fund the travel
of potential speakers from across the globe.
Fáilte Ireland – through the Dublin Convention Bureau – as outlined, is already a committed partner in this bid.
It will support GIJC 2019 through a number of direct services. These include:
Hosted site inspection to view venues and logistics for the conference.
Marketing support for the promotion of the conference to maximise delegate attendance.
Visitor maps and information to ensure delegates can make the most of their time in Dublin when not
in conference.
Additionally Fáilte Ireland will provide financial support of €10 per international delegate ($11.70 based
on an exchange rate of €1 Euro = $1.17 Dollars).
13 | P a g e4.0 Organisational and Management Capacity
At a general level, Ireland, and, in particular, Dublin is well placed to organise and manage GIJC 2019.
In 2015, conferencing was worth €669m to the Irish economy, reflecting a 35% increase since 2011. It accounts
for 16% of overseas tourism spend in Ireland and is one of the highest yield sectors in tourism. Through the
Dublin Convention Bureau at Fáilte Ireland, GIJC 2019 will avail of unparalleled organisational support through
facilitated meetings with experienced and accredited Professional Conference Organisers (PCOs), to allow for
the selection of the most suitable partner to realise the conference design, delivery and management.
Dublin City University, as the venue and collaborative partner, will not just contribute to the provision of a
world-class venue, but it will assist in programme development and organisational execution.
Ultimately, the Mary Raftery Journalism Fund and our proposed advisory committee will provide management,
strategic vision and compliance in all aspects of project execution.
Collectively, the actors in this bid, have decades of relevant experience ranging from event conception to
execution. We have worked on bespoke and boutique events, such as the annual Mary Raftery Journalism
Fund Investigative Journalism Film Seminar, to the delivery of events commanding audiences of up to 30,000
people in a single day.
The following map details our approach to event organisation and management:
Team Responsibilities
Mary Raftery Journalism Fund Strategic vision and conference programming, in conjunction
Conference Advisory Committee with the office of the Global Investigative Journalism Network.
Mobilisation of sponsors and collaborative partners.
Oversight of event planning and execution.
Mary Raftery Journalism Fund Key day-to-day contact for GIJN.
Operational Team Mobilising invitations and speakers, as required.
(DHR Communications) Outreach and development of propositions to sponsors; grant-
writing and pitching.
Local financial management of conference budget.
Local stakeholder building and buy-in (across private; public and
NGO sectors).
Media partnership delivery.
Insuring and liability indemnity coverage.
Local public relations, public affairs and marketing.
Fáilte Ireland Support in the recruitment of operational event support.
Dublin Convention Bureau Delivery of programme supports, outside of formal conference
programme.
Financial support.
14 | P a g eProfessional Conference Supplier Negotiations.
Organiser Venue Management & Logistics.
TBC Delegate Registration.
Accommodation Services.
Visa Management.
Abstract / Poster Management.
Programme & Speaker Liaison.
Sponsorship Sales & Management.
Exhibition Sales & Management.
Catering.
Audio Visual Services & Production Management.
Simultaneous Interpretation.
Social Programme, Tours and Coaching.
Creative Concepts & Entertainment.
Content Capturing & Distribution.
Hybrid Meetings.
Set Design & Signage.
On-site Management.
Staffing & Hostesses.
Dublin City University Conference event facilities.
Academic, programming and organisational support.
15 | P a g e5.0 GIJC 2019 Venue Summary
The Helix, Dublin City University www.thehelix.ie
The Mary Raftery Journalism Fund and Fáilte Ireland have been able to draw on our well established relationship
with Dublin City University (DCU) to secure conference and event facilities suitable for hosting the 1,000+
delegates expected to attend the Global Investigative Journalism Conference.
Dublin City University is one of Ireland’s leading third level institutes and is located north of Dublin city centre,
just six kilometres from Dublin Airport. It is extremely accessible by public transport and further details on
transport links to the University are set out in Section 6.2.
Furthermore, the Mary Raftery Journalism Fund feel DCU would be the most appropriate venue to hold the
conference in Ireland considering the University’s tangible connection with journalism and media production
through the various undergraduate and Masters degrees offered by its Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences.
The DCU School of Communications is also the home of FuJo: The Institute for Future Media and Journalism,
an innovative and experimental space for journalism and media research.
The Mahony Hall
The Mary Raftery Journalism Fund proposes hosting the 2019 Global
Investigative Journalism Conference in The Mahony Hall at The Helix
at Dublin City University.
The Mahony Hall is an impressive conference and event space with
the capacity to seat up to 1,222 in open orchestral style and 1,040
delegates in theatre style. The space has been designed with
audience comfort in mind and features include superb acoustics and
excellent sightlines. The venue comes equipped with full sound system equipment and lighting rig.
The Mary Raftery Journalism Fund has provisionally secured The Helix from 17th – 19th October 2019 and from
24th – 26th October 2019 should our bid to hold the Global Investigative Journalism Conference be successful.
16 | P a g eSee below for an overview of each space available at The Helix with style and capacity.
Space Room style / Capacity
The Mahony Hall Conference room with green room and dressing room x5 /
1,048 pax
Break Out Room 1: The Theatre Intimate conference room / 438 pax
Break Out Room 2: The Gallery Theatre style / 140 pax
Break Out Room 3: The Blue Room Theatre style / 140 pax
Break Out Room 4: The Space Theatre style / 135 pax
Break Out Room 5: The Studio Theatre style / 40 pax
Break Out Room 6-10: The Business School Theatre style / 40 -100 pax
Speaker ready room: The Green Room Clear – table and chairs available
Conference Office: The Board Room 14 pax
Foyer 1 & 2 Includes exhibitors and poster board sessions
We are delighted to offer the exclusive use of all of the above @ €31,500 for 3 days with café open.
Terms and condition apply, rates are exclusive of VAT.
Your comprehensive rental package at The Helix includes the following services as standard.
Screen, podium, mic, lighting and sound Included with room hire of The Mahony Hall and The
technician for the duration of the event. Theatre only.
Complimentary Wifi State of the art wired and wireless networking specifically
designed to accommodate large conferences and exhibition
events.
Dedicated Events Team The team will ensure the smooth running of your event.
Car Park Secure car park with 24 hour security present on campus.
*Further details on exactly what types/models of equipment and how many personnel are included in each
space is available directly from The Helix.
Should the client require any additional AV, there will be additional charges which will be
signed off between our in-house technical manager and the client prior to the event.
Technical Package In-house expert technicians, high spec screens, projectors,
lighting, microphones and stage facilities.
Sample Catering Costs from The Helix
Type Cost per person
Tea / Coffee and light breakfast on arrival From €6.95
Networking Box Buffet From €15.95
Tea / Coffee / Treat in the afternoon From €4.95
Tea / Coffee / Biscuits From €3.50
Depending on numbers for lunch, the catering will be served in our large foyer area which is ideal for relaxing
and networking.
*Please note that we have full catering menus available and can tailor any packages to suit your client’s
requirements and budgets. We also cater for any type of dietary requirements. Rates for catering are subject
to change. Terms and condition apply, rates are exclusive of VAT.
17 | P a g e6.0 Advantages of holding the GIJC in Dublin
Dublin is an exciting and inspirational city eager to extend a warm welcome to visitors from across the globe.
Scoring high on essential criteria such as suitability, accessibility, facilities and service, Dublin delivers in its own
inimitable way. Our capital is a breath of fresh air, a truly unique city that’s steeped in tradition, yet young at
heart. In the historic, compact city centre there is lots to do and see, and visitors will love the rich selection of
galleries, national museums which have free entry, restaurants, pubs and shops, not to mention the traditionally
warm welcome from Dubliners.
The Irish people’s enviable passion for life promises to entice colleagues and peers from around the globe,
guaranteeing high attendance at any international event.
Dublin was recently ranked third place in the Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2016 top 10, and voted the world’s
second friendliest city by readers of Rough Guides in 2014.
6.1 Getting to Dublin International Carriers include:
Aegean Lufthansa
Getting to Dublin is increasingly easy and popular with many Aer Lingus Luxair
airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad, Emirates, Qatar Aer France KLM
ASL Aviation Group Air Moldova
and United Airlines opening new routes to Africa, the Middle
America Airlines Norwegian
East and the United States. With the emergence of low-cost
Blue Air Qatar Airways
air-travel, along with traditional international carriers, it has
British Airways Air Canada Rouge
never been easier or less expensive to travel to Dublin. City Jet Ryanair
Dublin is a hub for Ryanair flights around Europe and Aer Cobalt S7 Airlines
Lingus links with the USA directly. In addition, US customs Delta SAS Scandinavian
and immigration are based in Dublin, making travel to and Emirates Swiss
from the USA very convenient. Ethiopian Air Transat
Etihad Airways Transavia
Eurowings Turkish Airlines
Dublin Airport is one of Europe’s busiest airports, handling
Finnair United
2,287 flights a week, with more than 40 airlines and tour
FlyBe Vueling
operators flying to over 180 destinations.
FlyOne Westjet
Iberia Express Wow
18 | P a g eDublin Airport now offers services to over 30 airports in the UK and the ever-expanding European network
services more than 100 airports. It recently underwent a €395 million investment programme, to include a new
passenger terminal, which increased annual passenger capacity to over 30 million. Dublin Airport manages an
average of 60,000 passengers per day, rising to 80,000 during the peak season.
Some Facts about Dublin Airport:
Dublin Airport is located 12km north of Dublin city centre and only 6km from
the proposed conference venue.
Dublin Port Tunnel cuts journey time from the airport to the city centre to
12-15 minutes, travel time from the airport to the proposed venue is just
under 10 minutes.
A number of private/public bus services operate from the airport.
Taxis are readily available for hire outside the airport (a taxi journey into the
city centre from the airport should cost approximately €25).
6.2 Getting Around Dublin City
Dublin is a compact city, which makes it very accessible in terms of moving from place to place. The best way
to move around the city centre itself is by foot. See below an outline of some of the transport options servicing
the city:
Taxi: Dublin is serviced by over 10,000 Transport links to the proposed conference
taxis. venue at Dublin City University
Bus: Dublin Bus operates an extensive
network of bus routes across the city
from 06.00 – 23.30, including routes
from Dublin Airport. The city is also
serviced by a number of private bus
operators.
Train: DART (coastal rail line between the
North and South), Suburban and
intercity.
LUAS: Light rail system operating in the city
centre and the Dublin suburbs.
Bike: Dublin City Bikes are an option for
visitors interested in short-term city
bike rental.
6.3 Public Safety and Security
Dublin is a safe and welcoming city with a strong, stable economy. The city is one of the friendliest in Europe
and maintains a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. However, as in all major cities you should take the same
precautions you would in your own city. There are no internal or external threats to Ireland.
19 | P a g e6.4 Visas
You do not need a visa to visit Ireland if you are a citizen of the EU, Iceland, Lichtenstein or Norway. It is also
possible to travel to Ireland without a visa if you hold a valid travel document issued in accordance with Article
28 of the Geneva Convention, you hold either a valid residence card 4 EU FAM or a valid permanent residence
card 4 EU FAM issued under the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2015 or if
you are a family member of an EU citizen and you hold a document called ‘Residence card of a family member
of a Union citizen’. However, if you fall outside these criteria; a visa is required. More information on visas for
entry to Ireland can be found at http://www.inis.gov.ie.
6.5 Currency and Costs
In keeping with the majority EU Members, Ireland has adopted the euro as its national currency, so making it
an attractive destination for international delegates.
20 | P a g e6.6 Accommodation – Range, Room Numbers and Average Cost
Conference Accommodation
Dublin boasts world class hotels providing top quality accommodation. The capital offers over 160 hotels with
just over 20,000 beds, all approved by Fáilte Ireland – The National Tourism Development Authority. Hotels
range in price from the luxury 5-star experience, to more affordable budget accommodation. Visitors can choose
either city-centre hotels, which can be easily accessed by bus, tram, train or taxi, or hotels in the leafy suburbs
of Dublin, within walking distance.
Dublin’s 5-Star
Luxury and elegance unite in the superb 5-star properties of Dublin. There is every type of comfort from which
to choose, whether it be the Georgian delights of The Westin and The Merrion hotels, or the modern design of
The Fitzwilliam overlooking St Stephen’s Green, guests will be extremely satisfied. Rates typically start from
€280.
Dublin’s 4-Star
Dublin boasts a collection of excellent 4-star properties within easy access of the proposed venue. The environs
of The Helix include the 4-star The Crowne Plaza Hotel, The Radisson Airport Hotel or The Skylon Hotel. Typical
4-star range is €120-€150 B&B single occupancy, and rates are subject to change.
Dublin’s 3-Star
For the more budget-conscious delegate, the venue has excellent 3-star offerings nearby. They include the
Travelodge Hotel, Holiday Inn and the Regency Hotel among others. Rates typically range between €100-150.
Budget Accommodation
Dublin has beds to suit every budget and has a wide range of excellent self-catering and hostel accommodation
starting from €30.00 B&B per person.
21 | P a g eThere is a wide range of accommodation options within close distance of the proposed venue, including, but
not limited to, the following:
Hotels in the vicinity of The Helix, Dublin City University
Hotel Rooms Distance from venue
4 Star
Crowne Plaza Hotel 204 bedrooms 10 minute drive
11 meeting rooms
Radisson Airport Hotel 229 bedrooms 10 minute drive
27 meeting rooms
Skylon Hotel 126 bedrooms 7 minute drive
3 meeting rooms
3 Star
Clayton Hotel 469 bedrooms 10 minute drive
16 meeting rooms
Travel Lodge Hotel 125 bedrooms 5 minute drive
Holiday Inn 114 bedrooms 8 minute drive
Regency Hotel 240 bedrooms 5 minute drive
12 meeting rooms
22 | P a g e7.0 Budget and Estimated Costs
The full cost of hosting GIJC 2019 will be estimated, based on delegate numbers, venue requirements and level
of organisation required at local level.
Detailed and estimated costs on venue, catering, travel and hotel accommodation have been detailed in other
sections of this bid.
The Mary Raftery Journalism Fund will work to maximise potential for sponsorship of conference events, meals
and other programmed elements of the event.
Conference venue: €31,500 for three days ( + VAT @ 13%).
Delegate Food: €25 per delegate, per day (including VAT)
Accommodation: Hotel accommodation per delegate, per night: €100 (including VAT).
Conference management and organisation: This fee will be sourced at best rate, and in line with best
procurement practice.
23 | P a g e8.0 GIJC 2019 Focus and Structure
The Mary Raftery Journalism Fund, along with our event partners, is committed to putting together an exciting
programme of bespoke events, creative and engaging workshops and panel talks led by industry experts for
the Global Investigative Journalism Conference 2019 in Dublin. While the core programme of events will take
place in The Helix at Dublin City University, we also envisage utilising some of the wonderful cultural spaces at
our disposal throughout the city as part of our programme schedule.
8.1 Our Suggested Focus
Our programme will provide ample opportunity for networking, brainstorming and collaborative thinking
throughout the Conference. While the Conference is a global event, a decision to host GIJC 2019 in Ireland
would allow for particular opportunities to share some experiences of the media and investigative journalism in
Ireland. In particular, the Mary Raftery Journalism Fund would be interested in:
The relationship between investigative journalism and conflict: Up until the last decade, Ireland
experienced a generation of violent conflict relating to Northern Ireland. In this time, journalists’ lives
were lost, and media organisations and individual journalists were threatened. We will look back on how
this conflict was reported on and what learnings can be applied to the reporting of ongoing global conflict.
We envisage placing a particular emphasis on the role investigative journalism has played in establishing
conflict resolution in Ireland, Europe and internationally.
Investigative journalism uncovering corruption: The media, and investigative journalism in
particular, continue to play a crucial role in providing the public with information which enables them to
stand up against what is deemed to be corrupt. Whether corruption comes in the form of political or
financial or a combination of both, a degree of courage, determination and often risk is required by
journalists who expose issues of corruption. We would like to explore how, only when corruption is
uncovered, can it then be tackled. In particular, we will discuss the role investigative journalism played in
exposing the financial corruption that led to the global economic crash in 2008, both in Ireland and on a
global level.
24 | P a g e The impact of new media technology on cross-border collaborative investigative journalism:
The evolution of new media technology and data availability over the past decade has facilitated an
exponential growth in the range of resources and tools available to journalists. While local stories are often
of greatest interest to commissioning bodies, stories such as the Panama papers have shown how
international stories can trigger collaboration between journalists and filmmakers on a global scale, and
enable them to look at the impact of such research and information on local communities across the world.
Under this theme we hope to discuss the struggles that investigative journalists experience in getting their
stories into print media.
How investigative journalism has led to local and global social change: Some of Mary Raftery’s
most pioneering work was in this area. As part of the GIJC 2019, we would like to highlight this body of
work by Mary and explore the impact of Mary’s exposure of institutional abuse in Ireland has had on
children’s rights. We would look to explore how investigative journalism has resulted in the breakdown of
old orders and institutions, both in Ireland and internationally, and the role the investigative journalist
plays in combatting human rights abuses.
Public Service Broadcasting – The changing nature of media and investigative journalism:
Public service broadcasters are increasingly under the constraints of funding, ever changing public / social
interests and competition in an evolving media landscape. Like other media with high standards, when
conducting investigative journalism, public service broadcasters are still obliged to develop a clear sense
of what the public interest justification might be, gain possession of some justifying evidence to take an
investigation, avoid subterfuge, except in clearly defined and authorised circumstances, and establish clear
rationale for what is eventually put into the public domain.
Gangland crime and media: While Ireland is a safe country to live and visit, especially since the
instigation of the peace process, an underbelly of gangland crime has emerged. This criminal element has
resulted in regular shootings; one of the most high profile victims of these crimes was Irish crime reporter,
Veronica Guerin. We would like to explore how highly-organised, well-funded criminal underworlds
threaten the lives of journalists.
Other suggested themes include:
Data Journalism
Environment and Climate Change
Safety and Security
Media ownership and control, and impacts on investigative journalism.
We understand that the relevance of news topics is an evolving matter and anticipate that other themes may
be of more relevance to the Global Investigative Journalism Conference by 2019.
The Mary Raftery Journalism Fund is well-placed to secure strong expert speakers and industry leaders to lead
workshops; to engage in expert panels and to speak on the themes noted above. The Fund, and our event
partners, would work closely with the Global Investigative Journalism Network to devise a dynamic programme
centred on the following key opportunities:
Networking and creating opportunities for collaboration.
Learning through sharing, and through more formal workshop-based opportunities.
Exploring new media technologies.
25 | P a g e8.2 Delivering a bespoke and innovative programme of events
Mini-seminars and training workshops led by industry experts.
More personal seminars with limited places.
Using the smaller breakout rooms available in DCU.
Focusing on some of the topics / themes mentioned.
Investigative Journalism Film Seminars
Taking a look inside the world of investigative documentary film-making.
Screenings.
Masterclasses.
Discussions focusing on legal aspects of investigative documentary making and long-term legacy.
World Café Sessions
Created in special settings, most often modelled in a café.
Welcome and introduction with stimulating topic leader.
Participants will engage in the first of three or more 20-minute rounds of conversation, moving to
a new table at the end of each round.
Each round is prefaced with a question specially crafted for the specific context and desired
purpose of the World Café.
At the end participants are invited to share insights or other results from their conversations with
the rest of the large group.
Model will increase opportunity for story sharing and networking.
Social / networking events
A series of events encouraging conference attendees to meet up, network and collaborate.
Held outside the main conference facility, including links to research.
Events could tap into the specific themes of the conference and suitable venues could be aligned
accordingly.
Irish and International Journalism Exhibition
A space for attending investigative journalists to showcase their work.
Opportunity for networking and collaboration.
8.3 Speakers
The Mary Raftery Journalism Fund will work closely with the secretariat of the GIJN to identify and procure a
rich programme of engaging and high-level speakers to help frame the programme and share learning.
As indicated, we will work with the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs’ embassy network and human rights
section to identify and fund travel of international speakers.
In addition, we would be pleased to draw on Irish-based potential speakers, including human rights campaigner
and President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins and international human rights lawyer, and former UN
Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson. We would also draw on Ireland’s rich journalism diaspora,
including Orla Guerin (BBC); Fergal Keane (BBC); and Maggie O’Kane (Guardian and end-FGM campaigner).
26 | P a g eContact details for the Mary Raftery Journalism Fund
Catherine Heaney
Mary Raftery Journalism Fund
c/o DHR Communications
80 Francis Street
Dublin 8
E: catherine@dhr.ie
T: 00353 (0) 1 4200580
www.maryrafteryfund.ie
www.dhr.ie
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