JCDecaux entered the outdoor marketplace in Ireland in 1999 with the acquisition of David Allen. The company had a reputation worldwide for quality and was recognised as the inventor of the ‘advertising in exchange for public service’ model when they introduced the first bus shelters incorporating advertising in 1964. The JCDecaux brand began appearing in Ireland in 2001 when our billboard portfolio was upgraded and re-branded with modern Norman Foster designed mouldings.
The business in Ireland has changed significantly since 2001. In 2004 JCDecaux won the first LUAS advertising contract and has retained it ever since. In 2008 Dublin City Council appointed us to provide amenities for the city, including the highly acclaimed Coca-Cola Zero dublinbikes scheme, in return for advertising displays. This bike share model evolved directly from the advertising in exchange for public service model first developed by JCDecaux in 1964. With over 15 million journeys since launch Coca-Cola Zero dublinbikes is recognised as one of the most successful bike share schemes world-wide.
In 2014 JCDecaux began building a digital out of home retail network. We now have 10 shopping centres countrywide delivering an audience of over 2.5 million shoppers per fortnight. Digital out of home allows advertisers the opportunity to change animated ads in real time and demand from clients has been strong. As a result JCDecaux are planning further investment in this area.
Most recently, we have upgraded a number of our large format sites to Première - a network of next generation, fully backlit, premium, large format lightboxes on key roadside locations in main cities.
Joanne Grant, Managing Director JCDecaux Ireland said "JCDecaux Ireland are extremely proud to reach this milestone. Over the past 15 years we have seen many improvements in our industry and JCDecaux has made a significant contribution in this regard. It is an exciting time for our medium with the growth of digital outdoor, increased investment in quality products and emerging new technologies. We look forward to the next 15 years working with our partners and clients to deliver outstanding out of home advertising."
