Plans to introduce security wardens to patrol Dublin city centre will not grant them any additional statutory powers, Dublin City Council has confirmed.
The proposals have prompted questions about the role and responsibilities of private security personnel operating in public spaces, particularly in relation to the existing duties of An Garda Síochána.
In a statement, Dublin City Council clarified that the proposed safety wardens would not have the authority to arrest individuals, demand identification, require people to leave public streets, conduct searches or issue fines for breaches of local authority bye-laws.
The scheme is being developed following discussions between business representatives and the Dublin City Taskforce, led by Robert Watt. Tenders are currently being prepared to appoint a private security company to provide what has been described as additional “safety operations” to complement the work of gardaí.
Established by the Government in May 2024, the Dublin City Taskforce was set up to examine measures aimed at revitalising the capital's city centre, both north and south of the River Liffey.
Its objectives include encouraging more people to live in the city centre, improving the cleanliness and perceived safety of streets, and creating a more vibrant and active urban environment while protecting Dublin's heritage.
The Dublin City Centre Rejuvenation Roadmap also identifies the development of Service Level Agreements with business representative groups and An Garda Síochána as part of a proposed Safety Warden Scheme.
Dublin City Council has described street safety as its “number one priority” and said research is underway to examine best-practice approaches to improving safety in public areas. This includes exploring additional support for An Garda Síochána.
The council said it has been engaging with gardaí, the Department of Justice and the business community while developing the proposals. It is also examining security arrangements already in place on public transport, including those operated by Irish Rail and Luas.
A spokesperson said the proposed wardens would have an assistance-based role, similar to schemes operating in other jurisdictions, and would not encroach on the statutory responsibilities of the police.
A full report on the proposals is being finalised and is expected to feature on the agenda of the December 2026 City Council meeting, following agreement with the Lord Mayor and group leaders on 2 November.
The council added that any final decision would follow the appropriate decision-making procedures.
Source: Dublin Live.
