Dublin City plans new safety warden scheme
Dublin City Council is advancing a safety warden proposal to enhance security across the city centre. The initiative, developed with An Garda Síochána and local stakeholders, is set for review at the December council meeting following extensive research and consultation.
The Dublin City Taskforce, established by the Government in May 2024 to revitalise Dublin's city centre, has prioritised street safety as a central goal. In line with the '10 Big Moves' and the City Centre Rejuvenation Roadmap, the Taskforce is tasked with creating Service Level Agreements involving business representatives and An Garda Síochána to introduce a new Safety Warden scheme.
To inform this initiative, the Project Management Unit has conducted thorough research and examined safety measures from other jurisdictions, aiming to bolster support for An Garda Síochána, residents, and businesses. Dublin City Council has collaborated closely with the Gardaí, the Department of Justice, and the business community, while also studying security frameworks used by IrishRail and Luas on public transport.
The proposed safety wardens would not possess statutory powers such as arresting individuals, demanding identification, or enforcing local bye-laws. A comprehensive report is being finalised and will be presented for discussion at the December 2026 City Council meeting, as agreed with the Lord Mayor and Group Leaders on 2 November 2026. All decisions will follow established protocols.