An information clinic in Dublin's Temple Bar has been opened by the Garda Síochána as part of a community policing initiative for Dublin south central.
The Temple Bar Garda Clinic in the information centre on East Essex Street is intended to act as a liaison between the force and the local community and will be staffed by gardaí from the Neighbourhood Policing Unit at Pearse Street.
The clinic, which will be run as a pilot programme until October 14th, will provide residents, local business people, and the general public with a range of information such as crime prevention literature, motor tax forms, and passport application forms.
The garda on duty will also give advice, such as how to establish neighbourhood watch schemes and will take comments and feedback from businesses, residents and tourists on the delivery of Garda services at a local level.
The gardaí say the clinic will increase "the visibility of the community police within the local community and improve accessibility between gardaí and the community in which they serve."
A spokesman said: "It is hoped that this innovative service will also enhance visitor's enjoyment of the Temple Bar area by providing practical relevant advice".
Temple Bar is one of the busiest parts of the capital, attracting an average of 60,000 people every day.
Last year TASCQ, the local traders group in Temple Bar, in conjunction with the gardaí, published a businesswatch crime-prevention brochure.
