Extra funding for Gardaí welcome but root causes of crime must also be tackled

+Dublin Chamber calls on Government to take back the streets of Dublin’s inner core 

Friday 28th of July 2023: Dublin Chamber, the representative body for business in the Greater Dublin Area has welcomed the announcement of an additional €10 million for Gardaí to police the streets of the City, but this will not be enough to tackle the underlying issues that are the causes of crime.  

Stephen Browne, Head of Public Affairs said, “An additional 10 million euro announced by Government for Garda overtime is welcome as a short-term solution, but a longer term plan needs to be developed to ensure that Dublin is an attractive place to work, live, visit and do business.” 

“Since the country reopened post Covid the way people interact with the City has changed entirely, fuelled by new flexible ways of working, with fewer people coming into the city during the week. This, along with issues of dereliction and cleanliness, need a joined-up approach from Dublin City Council and from Government. Dublin Chamber will be a constructive partner in developing this.” 

“More Gardaí on the beat is welcome, but a policing approach alone will not be sufficient to ensure that people who use the City Centre will feel safe. Dublin Chamber calls on Government to introduce a more comprehensive plan to take back the streets of Dublin’s inner core and make them feel safe again.” 

-ENDS-

For further information, please contact:

Órla Mannion | Public Affairs Manager | Dublin Chamber | orla@dublinchamber.ie

About Dublin Chamber: Dublin Chamber is Ireland’s largest chamber of commerce with over 1,300 member companies. It is the most representative and broadly-based business group in the Greater Dublin Area, providing representation and networking services. Its policy work focuses on developing the Dublin region’s infrastructure & transport, promoting competitiveness, and improving local governance. Dublin Chamber is also one of the oldest chambers of commerce in the world, tracing its origins back to 1782.