Gardai have said they are committed to ensuring that Dublin city centre is a safe place to live, visit, socialise, conduct business and enjoy - as they confirmed extra officers will patrol the city on weekends.
A rise in anti-social behaviour and crime has seen the public label the capital as "unsafe" in some parts, with the calls for more policing and visible action from officers rising to go with it.
Now, the force has responded.
Operation Citizen commenced in Dublin City Centre on October 22 2021.
It sees:
• Over 100 gardai patrolling Dublin City Centre each weekend evening
• Over 20 gardai on foot/ mountain bike patrols, supported by 12 (24 members) mobile patrols from the four central Garda stations
• 8 gardai now full time assigned to specifically patrol River Liffey Boardwalk, Quays and environs every day 4pm – 4am supported by
• 30 additional gardai deployed on beat patrols in City Centre Friday, Saturday, Sunday evening supported by
• 5 (10 members) Regional Armed patrols (1 dedicated to city centre) supported by
• Garda National Public Order Unit (25 personnel on mobile patrols), Garda Mounted Unit and Garda Dog Unit
• In excess of 500 additional hours policing each week
Particular focus is being placed on anti-social behaviour, public order and quality of life issues, assaults and high volume crimes.
The operation is monitored on a daily basis by Assistant Commissioner Dublin Region, Anne Marie Cagney and the Chief Superintendents of the DMR South Central and North Central Divisions and Superintendents with responsibility for Store Street and Pearse Street Garda Districts.
To date, during the first full week of Operation Citizen (25/10/21 – 31/10/21) including Bank Holiday Monday (25/10/21) and Halloween (31/10/2021) there have been in excess of 50 arrests and 65 charges preferred before the courts.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Alison Gilliland said: “I very much welcome the formal launch of An Garda Siochana's Operation Citizen. A greater visible policing presence in our city with dedicated beats on the Quays and along the Boardwalk, combined with responsive foot and mountain bikes beats across the city, enhances safety on our streets and acts as a prevention to crime and anti-social behaviour.
"I have witnessed a gradual increase in Gardai on our streets particularly at weekends since we began strengthening our working collaboration with An Garda Siochana through the High Level Street Issues Group. Today's announcement significantly increases that visible presence 7 days a week. I have no doubt those living in, working in and recreating the city will also welcome this presence.”
