The Social Democrats have today announced a strategy to tackle violence in Dublin city.
Gary Gannon TD, who represents Dublin Central and is the party’s justice spokesperson, said:
“As violence increases on our streets, this government seems to see crime as something to be responded to after the fact.
“This approach has been a demonstrable failure and has led to an unprecedented situation in which the Justice Minister himself has publicly stated that parts of Dublin are unsafe.
“Ensuring safety on our streets is a key duty of any government, not some optional extra. The Minister is not some commentator-in-chief – he needs to do more than merely diagnose the problem, particularly given Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have now been in government together for five years.
“We need a coordinated multi-agency strategy to reduce violence, one that follows international best practice and backed up with a significant budget. Following a spate of recent high-profile incidents, it is clear that a renewed approach is required if we are to create a safer Dublin.
“Our proposed strategy ensures a comprehensive and balanced response to knife crime and violence in our capital city, combining immediate interventions, long-term prevention, community-led solutions, and fair enforcement.
“By adopting a public health approach – similar to the successful Glasgow Violence Reduction Unit – together with policing solutions, we can reduce street violence in Dublin, create safer public spaces, and protect vulnerable groups.”
Measures proposed as part of the strategy include:
- an increase in the Garda presence at high-risk locations, including public transport hubs, nightlife districts, and areas with high rates of assault.
- the creation of a new National Transport Policing Unit to patrol DART, Luas and bus services and stations, as well as mainline rail services.
- Greater alignment with the UN Safer Cities for Girls Programme.
- The creation of a Dublin City Council community engagement team to ensure that vulnerable groups are directly involved in decision-making processes.
- The launch a city-wide knife crime awareness and amnesty campaign.
- Investment in sports programmes, arts initiatives, and employment pathways for at-risk youth.
- An expansion of youth diversion programmes to provide rehabilitation rather than custodial sentences for first-time offenders.
- The introduction of structured community service orders focused on desistance from crime, conflict resolution, and victim-awareness training.
- Development of restorative justice programmes where victims or community representatives can meet offenders to address and repair the harm done.
- Investment in bespoke, universal and integrated victim support services that can meet victims’ needs, ensuring the criminal justice system becomes more victim centred.
February 25, 2025
Note: you can read the full strategy document here