Businesses in Dublin have welcomed the deployment of extra Garda over the festive period. 

115 new Garda graduates will patrol the streets of the capital and businesses representative body DublinTown has said it hopes their presence will reassure customers.

“It’s a very positive development that we have those additional Gardaí and also the commitment that there will be additional Gardaí on our streets,” CEO Richard Guiney said. 

“I think people haven’t felt as safe in Dublin as they should and I certainly think the increased Garda presence is making a very big difference in that regard.” 

Gardaí on patrol in Dublin's Temple Bar. Image: @gardainfo on Twitter

Law and order has dominated the political agenda since the summer and businesses in Dublin city centre have been clear they think there have not been enough Gardaí out on patrol. 

It is something Mr Guiney hopes can be fixed. 

“I think, working together in the manner in which we have, I think we can address some of the challenges that the city has and make a much more welcoming, sustainable environment for people to visit,” he said.

“I think the partnership between everybody has been very positive and I certainly think we can take that into the New Year.” 

Over the summer, Justice Minister Helen McEntee said she thought the capital was “not perfect” but was overall “safe” to visit.

Main image: Gardaí in Dublin city centre, 30/11/2023. Image: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie