More than nine out of ten Dublin publicans (96%) say that they are concerned about the current level of policing in the capital, according to a survey conducted by the Licensed Vintners’ Association (LVA).
Almost half (48%) of all Dublin publicans also say that their customers have expressed security concerns about being on the streets in the last 12 months. During that same period, Dublin pubs have had to call An Garda Síochána an average of four times, while one in eight Dublin pubs has had to contact the police ten times or more.
‘Questions Of Resourcing’
“We are in regular contact with An Garda Síochána on these matters, who are doing excellent work with the resources that they have, but this does seem to come down to questions of resourcing,” said Donall O’Keeffe, CEO of the LVA.
“Clearly, the Gardaí need more personnel to be fully equipped to maintain a strong policing presence on the streets of the capital, and this is something that the government should be providing.”
Upcoming Budget
The LVA believes that it is vital that the government’s taskforce for Dublin City Centre press for the provision of additional policing resources on the city’s streets in its upcoming recommendations. It also called for the government to provide funding for such policing in the upcoming Budget.
Over 350 pubs from across Dublin – approximately half the total number of pubs in the capital – took part in the survey.
‘Strategic Choices’
“There also [have] to be […] strategic choices made to utilise these resources in a visible way,” said O’Keeffe.
“We have seen this can be done when necessary, such as the period in the run-up to Christmas last year, following the riots.
“It’s very important to see policing levels start approaching that level again, for people’s security, and for the image of Dublin.”
