In Dublin’s local election campaign, public safety is a primary concern. Residents are troubled by rising anti-social behavior and crime, overshadowing other local issues like immigration, housing, health, waste management, and transport.
Dublin, the nation’s most densely populated area with four local authorities and 183 seats, faces numerous security challenges. Last summer, an attack on an American tourist and November’s city center riots raised serious concerns. Recently, vandals damaged 20 cars in an apartment complex in Dublin 15, stealing dash cameras. Car and bike thefts from apartment complexes are common, with youth often behind these crimes. A playground fire further heightened residents’ fears, prompting nightly checks for safety.
The growing presence of tents and mentally ill individuals in the city center is another issue. Richard Guiney, CEO of Dublin Town, noted that soup kitchens and a poor mix of young people deter visitors from the area. Illegal dumping also plagues the city, while transport issues, including development near the county airport and Metrolink, affect daily life.
With local and European Union elections set for June 7, these security and infrastructure concerns are crucial topics for Dublin voters.4o