Creating a safer city has been prioritised in the Government’s plan for Dublin over the next decade.
The creation of a safe, neighbourly environment was singled out in a ten-year strategy plan for the city published today by the Dublin City Development Board (DCDB).
Safety was one of ten objectives outlined in the plan which also aimed to create a greener, more accessible, interactive, family-friendly, healthy, cultural, enterprising, educational, and community-friendly city.
Dublin is perceived as being less safe than in the past, which is making the city a less attractive, according to the DCDB.
Though the Republic’s crime rate has fallen and is low relative to international rates, Dublin has a high rate of crime relative to other counties. Concerns about safety have taken away from the city’s attractiveness as a commercial, tourist and residential centre, the DCDB said.
Among the problems raised by people during DCDB consultations were the need for a greater Garda presence on the streets, anti-social behaviour and vandalism, underage drinking, lack of resources for the socially disadvantaged and the lack of safe street lighting.
The plan called for a partnership approach to crime prevention, lead by the Garda and Justice Department along with representatives from the business sector and community groups.
It said there was an "urgent need" for structures to ensure the Garda are accountable to local communities.
However it also noted the community had a role in supporting Garda initiatives, and encouraging respect for other people and their property.
Another objective was to make Dublin a city of homes. The DCDB research highlighted the lack of affordable accommodation suitable for all sections of the community including people with disabilities, students, the elderly, asylum seekers, the homeless and key public servants (nurses, Gardaí, etc).