Dublin businesses call for increased Garda presence ahead of Christmas

With footfall down and concerns over safety high, Dublin Town urges a visible Garda presence to support city centre businesses during the critical holiday season

Garda numbers similar to those which followed last year’s November riots must be visible in Dublin City centre in the run up to Christmas, according to businesses.

Dublin Town, the collective voice of business in the city centre, says the period between now and the end of the year is ‘make or break’ for many traders.

Its chief executive officer, Richard Guiney, said footfall in the City centre this year trended down two per cent on 2023, with Dublin Town research consistently confirming concern for personal safety is the primary barrier to visiting.

“Consumer facing city centre businesses will hope to achieve 35% of their annual turnover between now and the end of the year,” he said.

“This is truly make or break time for many businesses at the end of what has been a very challenging year.

“While overall footfall is down 2 per cent, some traders note sales lagging well behind that figure.”

Critical time

Mr Guiney said these figures required a response from the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, and Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris, at this critical time.

“In November 2023, a seriously enhanced and visible Garda presence instilled a sense of public safety and confidence, ensuring a better than expected Christmas period.

“Given the precarious position of many businesses now, this needs to be repeated.

“Dublin Town, on behalf of the city’s 2,000 consumer facing businesses, is calling on the Government and Garda Commissioner to commit to a similar presence in November and December this year.”

Remaining viable

Mr Guiney said while the report of the Taoiseach’s task force on the future of Dublin City pointed the way to rejuvenation, businesses there must remain viable until its implementation.

“The situation is precarious, but Dubliners are proud of their city and want to reclaim it.  

“Dublin Town is confident that when the public see a concerted effort to rejuvenate the city core, they will row in behind it. 

“But a successful Christmas period will be key to keeping many businesses in the City centre alive.”