Answer extracted from the Restaurant Influencers podcast — listen to the full episode below.
What was the timeline from initial agreement to opening for a rooftop restaurant development in Dublin?
Alan Clancy agreed to the development in early 2021 and spent six to eight months navigating negotiations and legal processes before designs were completed mid-2023. Construction then followed on the 18,000 square foot premise atop the historic Central Bank of Ireland building in Dublin's city center.
Building from Agreement to Blueprint
The journey began with a simple handshake in early 2021, but the path to a working restaurant required navigating complex legal territory. Those first six to eight months were consumed entirely by negotiations and legal processes—the unsexy but essential groundwork that separates a conversation from a binding development agreement.
Clancy spent this period ensuring every detail of ownership, operational rights, and construction authority was properly documented on a historic building that had housed Ireland's Central Bank until its relocation in 2014. As discussed in the full episode, this wasn't a matter of simply booking a contractor—it involved layering permissions, insurance, heritage considerations, and partnership structures onto one of Dublin's most iconic locations.
Design and Tendering: The Blueprint Phase
By mid-2023—roughly two and a half years after the initial agreement—design work was complete and ready for tender. This milestone meant the vision had moved from concept into technical drawings, specifications, and cost estimates that could go to market for construction bids.
The tendering process itself adds another layer to the timeline. Clancy's team wasn't simply hiring the first contractor who walked through the door; they were selecting from competing proposals for a high-stakes, high-visibility project on an 18,000 square foot rooftop in the center of Dublin, as he explains in the episode. Before construction crews could hammer the first nail, the right builder had to be chosen.
"What are we without customers? We're empty. We're out of business. We're nobody."
Alan Clancy — Founder and Operator, Dion Rooftop Restaurant. Alan Clancy is a legendary hospitality professional in Ireland with over two decades of experience in the bar and restaurant industry, transitioning from primarily operating late-night bars to developing a food-forward business model. He researched international high-end rooftop concepts including Sushi Samba in Dubai and Delilah in Vegas before conceptualizing Dion atop the historic Central Bank of Ireland building.
Beyond the financial and legal scaffolding, Clancy's relentless focus on customer experience shaped every decision in this timeline. He wasn't just clearing hurdles; he was methodically planning an environment where every detail serves the guest, which meant taking the time to get the design right before breaking ground.
See also
How did the Central Bank of Ireland building become available for restaurant development?
The Central Bank of Ireland relocated from the building in 2014 to new premises on the north side of the docks. The entire development was subsequently sold and became available for commercial restaurant development.
How does active listening enhance leadership effectiveness in hospitality?
Active listening in hospitality leadership involves reading what lies behind what is said and understanding deeper team and customer needs. This practice strengthens decision-making and builds trust within the organization.
What role does curiosity play in effective CEO leadership?
Curiosity is valued above all else when recruiting and leading—the ability to look at a situation, narrow your eyes, and ask the right questions drives innovation and problem-solving in hospitality businesses.