The problem of safety, and the wider question of perceptions of safety, are significant, as they impact on Dubliners, visitors, and business. This is a problem that precedes Covid. Indeed, we first highlighted our concerns to Government in our 2019 survey report on Dublin’s Global Reputation, which showed that Dublin ranked poorly in terms of safety compared to other cities. The pandemic has exacerbated the issue, becoming a catalyst for greater anti-social behaviour.  

Dublin Chamber has been actively advocating for increased garda resources for Dublin and also been engaged with stakeholders to tackle the root causes of crime in the City.  Much of this work has been conducted directly with the relevant officials in central and local government, including Taoiseach Leo Varadkar; Ministers, Helen McEntee, Paschal Donohue, Simon Coveney, Neale Richmond; members of An Garda Síochána, including Chief Superintendents Patrick McMenamin and Tony O’ Donnell, and Assistant Commissioner Angela Willis; and with Dublin City Council CEO, Richard Shakespeare.  

Dublin Chamber believes this to be the most effective use of its voice, which does not include controversy. Media engagement is chosen strategically as not to further damage Dublin’s reputation.  

The issue of cleanliness also feeds into this debate, as does lighting and a whole host of civic issues. Everyone is impacted differently in Dublin regarding safety, with varying repercussions, but a recent Dublin Chamber survey highlighted that 95% of membership agreed for the need for higher Garda visibility in the city centre.   

Furthering the discussion, Dublin Chamber will be hosting a roundtable discussion on safety using the following questions to steer the conversation. If you are unable to attend the discussion, please answer the following questions from the perspective of your business and send to our policy team at policy@dublinchamber.ie or contact sophie@dublinchamber.ie to register for the online discussion taking place on 16th of February.   

1. Do you feel that Dublin is any safer at the beginning of 2024 than last year? 
2. How does the issue of safety for staff, their families and for customers impact your business? What is the impact on trade, investment, recruitment and retention for example? 
3. What measures would you like to see instigated at Government level to better support your business with issues of safety and anti-social behaviour?