There will be a range of increased security measures in place around Temple Bar this St Patrick’s Day in an effort to combat the potential for dangerous overcrowding and on street drinking in the area.

Dublin City Council will repeat the “robust and integrated security plan” it introduced last year with large numbers of punters expected to descend on the district once again.

The council said visitor numbers have been continually increasing over recent years, culminating in residents and local businesses voicing serious concerns over safety levels in 2015.

Working in conjunction with the gardaí and Dublin Fire Brigade, the council decided that the only way to deal with the crowds was to limit access to the area and crack down on drinking in the streets.

The plan will see the council hiring private security to complement an increased garda presence in the area with access controlled and managed through barriers at approximately 40 entrances.

All vehicles – other than emergency vehicles – will be barred from entering.

Taxis will also be kept out of the area with a temporary rank introduced on Ormond Quay.

Pedestrians will only be allowed to travel through Merchants Arch exiting south to north towards the Ha’penny Bridge.

The plan will also see increased pressure on pubs and bars in the area to ensure alcohol is only consumed in licensed areas - and that there is no overcrowding indoors.

“The plan was put in place last year and was a success with very positive feedback from both local residents and businesses,” a council spokesperson said in a statement.

“The result of the measures was that there was no overcrowding in the area, minimal on street drinking and a reduction in public order issues both in the Temple Bar Area and the City Centre in general.”

The same plan was put in place for the Dublin Pride event in 2016 and was deemed a success by the council.