Dublin Taskforce recommendations must start being implemented immediately – LVA

Research has revealed that 9 out 10 Dublin publicans are concerned about the current levels of policing in the capital

The recommendations from the Dublin City Taskforce around improving security in Dublin city centre must start being implemented immediately, according to the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA). The LVA has welcomed the measures outlined by the taskforce, but says there needs to be a focus on turning these “words into action”.

Research recently published by the LVA showed that more than 9 out 10 Dublin publicans are concerned about the current levels of policing in the capital, with 48% saying their customers have expressed concerns about being on the streets in the last 12 months.

The taskforce recommendations around security include:

• Add 1,000 Gardaí to city centre area and accelerate re-assignment of An Garda Síochána non-core duties.
• Establish city warden programme to support policing.
• Expand private security on public transport with increased powers.
• Upgrade CCTV network and enact legislation for real time monitoring.
• Relocate O’Connell Street garda station to GPO pending development.

Speaking following the publication of the recommendations, Donall O’Keeffe, CEO of the LVA said, “We are glad to see these recommendations published and that security considerations have been strongly to the fore. Pubs, hospitality and other businesses in the city have been pressing for stronger security for quite some time with a view to making our city safer.

“What is key is how quickly these will be implemented and the Government turns these words into action. Security concerns continue to be a problem so work must begin addressing these recommendations immediately. The solutions must start now. There also must be someone accountable for these recommendations, ensuring they come to life and aren’t left to gather dust once the lights from the press announcement fades,” O’Keeffe concluded.