New Garda Operation Targets Dublin City Centre Antisocial Behaviour

Operation Citizen is a new garda initiative designed to combat rising antisocial behaviour in Dublin city centre.

The operation sees 100 gardaí assigned to patrol the areas around the Liffey boardwalk and quays.

20 officers are on the streets with 12 mobile units from the city centre's four garda stations providing support.

Patrols will particularly focus on the quays area between 4pm and 4am.

Additional foot patrols will be assigned on weekends and will be backed by the National Public Order Unit and mounted and dog units.

"An Garda Síochána is committed to ensuring that the public realm and amenity that Dublin City Centre is, is a safe place to live, visit, socialise, conduct business and enjoy," a garda statement said. "Operation Citizen is focused on reassuring the public, residents, visitors, businesses and workers that Dublin City Centre is a positive safe environment, notwithstanding the wide range of complex social and professional dynamics which are to be found in Dublin City, the same as any other large urban environment. Particular focus is being placed on anti-social behaviour, public order and quality of life issues, assaults and high volume crimes. This will be achieved by increased visible policing particularly at key locations and further maximising the impact of that visibility."

"I very much welcome the formal launch of An Garda Síochana’s Operation Citizen," said Lord Mayor of Dublin Alison Gilliland. "A greater visible policing presence in our city with dedicated beats on the Quays and along the Boardwalk, combined with responsive foot and mountain bikes beats across the city, enhances safety on our streets and acts as a prevention to crime and anti-social behaviour. I have witnessed a gradual increase in Gardai on our streets particularly at weekends since we began strengthening our working collaboration with An Garda Siochana through the High Level Street Issues Group. Today’s announcement significantly increases that visible presence 7 days a week. I have no doubt those living in, working in and recreating the city will also welcome this presence."